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Dietary supplementation with sugar cane derivates may modulate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels. The purpose of this study was to determine if dietary supplement (DS), containing Octacosanol (20 mg) and vitamin K2 (45 µg), could restore the disrupted physiologic relation between LDL-C and serum PCSK9. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center study including 87 patients on chronic atorvastatin therapy was conducted. Eighty-seven patients were randomized to receive DS (n = 42) or placebo (n = 45), and followed for 13 weeks. Serum PCSK9 levels, lipid parameters and their relationship were the main efficacy endpoints. The absolute levels of PCSK9 and LDL-C were not significantly different from baseline to 13 weeks. However, physiologic correlation between % change of PCSK9 and % change of LDL-C levels was normalized only in the group of patients treated with DS (r = 0.409, p = 0.012). This study shows that DS can restore statin disrupted physiologic positive correlation between PCSK9 and LDL-C. Elevated PCSK9 level is an independent risk factor so controlling its rise by statins may be important in prevention of cardiovascular events.

The impact of diet and fibre fractions on adipocytokines in obese subjects with a risk of diabetes has not been investigated in detail yet. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-month lifestyle intervention with different fibre profiles (resistant starch (RS)—rich fibre, or ordinary food fibre profiles) on adipocytokine levels. Fifty participants are divided into two groups (RS group and Fibre group). The groups differ only in the percentage of the recommended level of the RS consumed as a fraction of the same total fibre amount. The applied dietary intervention includes intake of 7531 KJ/daywith a total fibre portion of 25–35 g/dayfor both groups that includes 15 g/day of RS for the RS group only. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, apelin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and C-reactive protein (CRP) are measured, and their relationship to anthropometric and biochemical parameters is estimated. Along with significant body weight loss, only leptin is significantly reduced by 13% in the RS group while in the Fibre group, apelin levels are significant (−21%). Polynomial regression shows a negative correlation between RS intake and adiponectin (R2 = 0.145) and resistin level (R2 = 0.461) in the RS group. This study indicates the possibility that fibre fractions differently influence the outcome of lifestyle interventions, as well as their adipocytokine levels, in obese prediabetic adults.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted, in order to evaluate if Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti® L10 (Lallemand Health Solutions, Montreal, Canada) supplementation during three months could influence oxidative markers in the population of elite athletes: triathletes, cyclists and endurance athletes. Twenty-two elite athletes were randomized to either placebo (n = 12) or probiotic (n = 10) groups. The probiotic group received 2x1010 colony forming units of Lafti® L10. Before and after the supplementation serum samples were collected. Markers of oxidative stress and anti-oxidative defense: superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase (PON), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, oxidative stress index, bilirubin, uric acid and albumin were determined in serum. Parameters of lipid status, as well as susceptibility to copper-induced oxidation of LDL particles in vitro were also determined. There was a significant interaction effect for MDA (p = 0.039), with a decrease in MDA in the probiotic group only (p = 0.049). There was a significant interaction effect for AOPP (p = 0.037), with a significant decrease in the probiotic group (p = 0.045). Interaction effect for SOD was approaching to formal significance (p = 0.108) and the post-hoc test showed a significant decrease in the probiotic group (p = 0.041) only. A significant correlation between AOPP and SOD (p = 0.012, r = -0.40) was found in the probiotic group at the end of the study. PON1 activity was decreased in both the probiotic (p = 0.032) and placebo group (p = 0.035). No significant changes in the remainder of the evaluated parameters were noted. In conclusion, probiotic strain Lafti® L10 exerts certain antioxidant potential, but further research is needed.

Introduction and objective. Analysis of using dietary supplements (DS) is an important today as it may indicate the need and the ways of rationalising the use of such products. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of use of the DS by the recreationists, as well as the role of health professionals in the process. Methods. A descriptive epidemiological investigation included a total of 100 recreationists who voluntarily completed the anonymous survey. The research was conducted in five fitness centres in Podgorica. In order to collect data, we used the original questionnaire. Results. The study involved 100 subjects with an average age of 28 years. Survey results have shown that there are a major percentage (43%) of those respondents who use DS continuously, 38% use it occasionally, and 19% never use the DS. Among all respondents, 29% of respondents said that they currently use 2-3, and even 8% said that they used more than 5 different products at the same time. The three most commonly used supplements are vitamins 18.7%, protein supplements 17.26% and amino acids 11.87%. Most of the respondents stated that they buy DS at the pharmacy 25%, in the fitness centre / gym 21.51% or at local resellers 18.02%. The polling data have shown that respondents generally receive recommendations on the use of the DS from fitness instructors / trainers or friends, and at least from physicians, pharmacists and nutritionists. Conclusion. The study shows that a large number of recreationists use the DS irrationally, without clear indications and recommendations by health professionals. It is necessary to make additional educational efforts not only regarding health care professionals but also regarding those who work in fitness centres to better inform users about the use of the DS. Uvod i cilj. Analiza upotrebe dijetetskih suplemenata (DS) je danas veoma važna s obzirom na rasprostranjenost njihove upotrebe, a može ukazati na potrebu i puteve racionalizacije upotrebe takvih proizvoda. Cilj ove studije bio je da se utvrdi učestalost upotrebe DS među rekreativnim sportistima u Podgorici, kao i da se sagleda uloga zdravstvenih radnika u tom procesu. Metodologija. Deskriptivnim epidemiološkim ispitivanjem obuhvaćeno je ukupno 100 rekreativnih sportista koji su dobrovoljno pristupili popunjavanju anonimne ankete. Istraživanje je sprovedeno u pet fitnes centara u Podgorici, a u cilju prikupljanja podataka korišćen je originalni upitnik. Rezultati. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 100 ispitanika prosječne starosti 28 godina. Rezultati anketiranja pokazali su da je veći procenat onih ispitanika koji koriste DS u kontinuitetu 43%, povremeno ih upotrebljava 38%, a 19% ih uopšte ne koristi. Od ukupnog broja anketiranih 29% ispitanika se izjasnilo da trenutno koristi 2- 3, a čak 8% se izjasnilo da koristi više od 5 različitih proizvoda istovremeno. Tri najčešće korišćene vrste suplemenata su vitaminski 18,7%, proteinski suplementi 17,26% i aminokiseline 11,87%. Najveći broj ispitanika se izjasnio da DS kupuje u apoteci 25%, u fitnes centru / teretani 21,51% ili kod lokalnih distributera 18,02%. Anketiranjem su dobijeni podaci da ispitanici uglavnom dobijaju preporuke o upotrebi DS od strane fitnes instruktora / trenera ili prijatelja, a najmanje od strane ljekara, farmaceuta i nutricionista. Zaključak. Studija pokazuje da veliki broj rekreativnih sportista koristi DS neracionalno, bez jasnih indikacija i preporuka od strane zdravstvenih radnika. Stoga je neophodno uložiti dodatne edukativne napore ne samo prema zdravstvenim radnicima, već i prema svima onima koji rade u fitnes centrima radi boljeg informisanja korisnika o upotrebi DS.

Optimally balanced diet in order to body weight control in combination with adequate physical activity has an important role in the prevention of degenerative joint disorders. Weight reduction is important in ameliorating some of the manifestations of osteoarthritis (OA) and improving the quality of life. There is growing interest in the beneficial effects of some nutrients, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D, as well as many non-nutrient biological active compounds on progression structural damages, pain and functions of the joints. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, S-adenosylmethionine, methylsulfonylmethane, alone or in combination, are among the most widely used dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of OA. However, there are limited high-quality designed clinical trials which supported its potential symptomatic and structure-modifying effects. Optimalna ishrana u cilju održavanja idealne telesne mase uz odgovarajuću fizičku aktivnost ima značajnu ulogu u prevenciji degenerativnih oboljenja zglobova. Klinička ispitivanja su pokazala da gubitak povećane telesne mase smanjuje simptome i poboljšava kvalitet života pacijenata sa osteoartritisom (OA). Takođe, sve je veće interesovanje o uticaju pojedinih nutrijenata, posebno polinezasićenih masnih kiselina i vitamina D, kao i brojnih nenutritivnih biološki aktivnih sastojaka, na strukturna i funkcionalna oštećenja zglobova, kao i kontrolu bola kod OA. Najčešći sastojci dijetetskih suplemenata sa potencijalnim hondroprotektivnim delovanjem su: glukozamin, hondroitin-sulfat, S-adenozilmetionin, metilsulfonilmetan i dr, pojedinačno ili u kombinaciji. Međutim, ograničeni broj adekvatno dizajniranih randomizovanih kontrolisanih ispitivanja potvrdio je njihove simptomatske i strukturno modifikujuće efekte.

To test the influence of probiotic supplementation on humoral immune response, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Thirty athletes (24 males and 6 females, females: (V)over dotO(2)max 38.2 +/- 4.9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), age 23.2 +/- 1.4 years; males: (V)over dotO(2)max 57.5 +/- 9.2 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), age 24.0 +/- 2.4 years, mean +/- SD) were randomized either to the probiotic group (Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10, 2 x 10(10) colony-forming units) or to the placebo group. Serum and saliva samples were collected at the baseline and after 14 weeks. Total and specific antibacterial antibody levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA classes were determined for different bacteria in the serum, and in saliva, total and specific antibacterial IgA levels were examined. Total IgM was elevated in both probiotic (18%, 15-20%; mean, 90% confidence interval; p = 0.02) and placebo group (35%, 22-47%; p = 0.02), without observed differences in changes between the groups. No significant changes in IgM levels specific for tested bacteria were found. Total IgG level was constant in both groups. A significant (16%, 22.8 to 35%, p = 0.04) reduction of anti-Enterococcus faecalis IgG was noted in the placebo group, in comparison with the probiotic group. There was a substantial decrease in total IgA level in the placebo group, when measured either in serum (15%, 12-18%, p = 0.04) or in saliva (35%, -1.4 to 53%, p = 0.03). Significantly reduced levels of serum anti-lactic acid bacteria IgA antibodies in the placebo group compared with the probiotic group were detected for Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA68 (24%, 5.8-42%, p = 0.02) and for L. rhamnosus LB64 (15%, 2.7-27%, p = 0.02). Probiotic administration could have beneficial effects on systemic humoral and mucosal immune responses. This is peer-reviewed version of the following article: Michalickova, D. M.; Kostic-Vucicevic, M. M.; Vukasinovic-Vesic, M. Dj.; Stojmenovic, T. B.; Dikic, N. V.; Andjelkovic, M. S.; Djordjevic, B. I.; Tanaskovic, B. P.; Minic, R. D. Lactobacillus Helveticus Lafti L10 Supplementation Modulates Mucosal and Humoral Immunity in Elite Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J. Strength Cond. Res. 2017, 31 (1), 62–70. [https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001456]

Background/Aim. Overweight and obesity may lead to a large number of health problems. Prevention and adequately timed treatment can lead to successful body mass regulation. The aim of the study was to analyze body mass index (BMI) of the examinees, usage of dietary supplement for weight loss (DSWL) by gender and particular products, types of information source and types of information about DSWL which provide doctors and pharmacists. Methods. The survey was conducted in the region of the town of Niš. The survey was carried out among a random sample of 505 participants, 243 men and 262 women, older than 15 years. The tool used was a questionnaire. Results. There is a positive association between aging and BMI. DSWL are used by 20.39% of the examinees. The most of the examinees that use DSWL were overweight and used it for esthetic reasons. Before the use of DSWL, women usually practice diets and men practice fluid consumption. Television is the most important source of information about DSWL. Health care professionals mostly provide information about DSWL consumption (64.08%), and only a third of them provide all the information (usage, eating regime, fluid consumption, and physical activity). Conclusion. The prevalence of obesity emphasizes the need for concentrated efforts to prevent obesity in the early age. The only way to reduce the risk of DSWLs misuse is providing all of the necessary information by the health care professionals. As pharmacists are in the direct contact with patients they have the most important role in rational and effective use of DSWL. Uvod/Cilj. Gojaznost i prekomerna telesna masa mogu izazvati mnoge bolesti. Uvođenje blagovremenih mera prevencije, može dati značajne rezultate u regulaciji telesne mase. Cilj ove studije bio je da se utvrde vrednosti indeksa telesne mase (ITM) ispitanika, upotreba dijetetskih suplemenata za smanjenje telesne mase (DSTM) prema vrsti preparata i polu ispitanika, stavovi i izvori informisanja ispitanika o DSTM, i informacije o DSTM koje pružaju lekari i farmaceuti. Metode. Istraživanjem sprovedenim na teritoriji Nišavskog okruga obuhvaćeni su ispitanici stariji od 15 godina odabrani po metodi slučajnog izbora. Kao instrument istraživanja korišćen je upitnik. Rezultati. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 505 osoba (243 muškog i 262 ženskog pola) starije od 15 godina. Trend porasta vrednosti ITM usled starenja bio je prisutan kod obe posmatrane grupe. Ukupno 20,39% ispitanika koristilo je DSTM. Najveći broj ispitanika koji su koristili DSTM nalazio se u kategoriji predgojaznog stanja i koristili su ove preparate iz estetskih razloga. Žene su, uglavnom, pribegavale dijeti, a muškarci povećanom unosu tečnosti pre nego što su započinjali upotrebu DSTM. Ispitanici oba pola najčešće su koristili televiziju kao izvor informisanja o DSTM. Najveći broj ispitanika (64,08%) dobio je osnovne informacije o upotrebi preparata od zdravstvenih radnika, dok je samo trećina ispitanika (31,07%) dobila detaljne informacije o upotrebi, režimu ishrane, unosu tečnosti i fizičkoj aktivnosti. Zaključak. Sa merama prevencije gojaznosti potrebno je početi još u periodu rane mladosti. U cilju smanjenja rizika od pogrešne upotrebe DSTM zdravstveni radnici trebalo bi da pružaju potpune informacije o njima. S obzirom na to da se preparati DSTM prodaju u apotekama, farmaceuti imaju presudnu ulogu u kontroli upotrebe ovih preparata i racionalnoj i efektivnoj prevenciji gojaznosti.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate if Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 (Lallemand Health Solutions, Montreal, Que., Canada) supplementation during 14 weeks in winter can influence the duration, severity, and incidence of upper respiratory tract illness (URTI), as well as to monitor different immune parameters in the population of elite athletes. Before and after the treatment, cardiopulmonary testing and self-rated state of moods evaluation (by Profile of Mood States questionnaire) were performed and blood samples were collected. Thirty-nine elite athletes were randomized either to the placebo (n = 19) or the probiotic (n = 20) group. The probiotic group received L. helveticus Lafti L10, 2 x 10(10) Colony Forming Units. Lafti L10 significantly shortened the URTI episode duration (7.25 +/- 2.90 vs. 10.64 +/- 4.67 days, p = 0.047) and decreased the number of symptoms in the probiotic group (4.92 +/- 1.96 vs. 6.91 +/- 1.22, p = 0.035). Severity and incidence of URTI did not differ between the treatments. There were no significant changes in leukocyte subpopulation abundance, transforming growth factor-beta serum levels, level of interleukin-10 secreted from peptidoglican stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), interferon-gamma level secreted from concanavalin A-stimulated PBMCs or viability/proliferation of PBMCs upon antigen stimulation. Group effect for CD4+/CD8+ ratio was significant (F-[1,F-37] = 6.99, p = 0.020, eta(2) = 0.350); this difference was not significant at baseline, but was evident after 14 weeks (p = 0.02). A significant interaction effect was noted for self-rated sense of vigor (F-[1,F-37] = 11.76, p = 0.009, eta(2) = 0.595). Self-rated sense of vigor increased in the probiotic group (18.5 +/- 4.1 vs. 21.0 +/- 2.6, p = 0.012). Probiotic strain Lafti L10 can be a beneficial nutritional supplement for the reduction of URTI length in elite athletes. This is the peer-reviewed version of the following article: Michalickova, D.; Minić, R.; Dikić, N.; Anđelković, M.; Kostić-Vučićević, M.; Stojmenović, T.; Nikolić, I.; Đorđević, B. Lactobacillus Helveticus Lafti L10 Supplementation Reduces Respiratory Infection Duration in a Cohort of Elite Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism 2016, 41 (7), 782–789. [https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2015-0541].

The physiologic stress induced by physical activity is reflected in immune system perturbations, oxidative stress, muscle injury, and inflammation. We investigated the effect of astaxanthin (Asx) supplementation on salivary IgA (sIgA) and oxidative stress status in plasma, along with changes in biochemical parameters and total/differential white cell counts. Forty trained male soccer players were randomly assigned to Asx and placebo groups. Asx group was supplemented with 4 mg of Asx. Saliva and blood samples were collected at the baseline and after 90 days of supplementation in preexercise conditions. We observed a rise of sIgA levels at rest after 90 days of Asx supplementation, which was accompanied with a decrease in prooxidant-antioxidant balance. The plasma muscle enzymes levels were reduced significantly by Asx supplementation and by regular training. The increase in neutrophil count and hs-CRP level was found only in placebo group, indicating a significant blunting of the systemic inflammatory response in the subjects taking Asx. This study indicates that Asx supplementation improves sIgA response and attenuates muscle damage, thus preventing inflammation induced by rigorous physical training. Our findings also point that Asx could show significant physiologic modulation in individuals with mucosal immunity impairment or under conditions of increased oxidative stress and inflammation.

Starting from the evidence-based health benefits that resistant starch (RS) shows when added to the diet, our aim in this study was to evaluate the effects of increased fibre intake with two different levels of RS coming from regular daily consumed foods on normalization of glycaemia within lifestyle intervention in the population with risk factors for developing diabetes. Study included 47 overweight and obese men and women with disordered glucoregulation and dyslipidaemia, aged between 45-74, divided into RS and Fibre group. Participants were subjected to the lifestyle and dietary intervention with low-fat and high-fibre (> 25 g/day) diet for 12 months and were offered two different dietary advices aimed at increasing total fibre intake in Fibre group and at increasing RS intake in RS group. The intake of macronutrients and total fibre was similar between groups at the end of the study, but achieved RS intake was two times higher in the RS group. Decrease in total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol was more pronounced in RS group in comparison with Fibre group (p = 0.010, p = 0.031, respectively), whereas in Fibre group, a more pronounced effect on glucoregulation was observed: significant fall in glycaemia after 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (7.93 vs 6.96 mmol/L, p = 0.034). At the end of the study, RS-rich diet failed to affect glycaemic control in prediabetic obese individuals in contrast to the regular fibre-rich diet, which indicated that fibre profile could be an important determinant of the effect of dietary intervention.

24th ECNP Congress 3-7 September 2011 • Paris, France Psychotic disorders and antipsychotics – Psychotic disorders (basic)

The main aim of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and aerobic and anaerobic performance induced by supplementation of coffeeberry (CB) formulation for 4 weeks in college athletes. Twenty college athletes (14 males and 6 females) were allocated to two randomly assigned trials. Subjects in the CB group orally ingested capsules that contained CB formulation at a dose of 800 mg per day in two equal doses for 28 days, while subjects in the placebo (P) group ingested an equal number of identical-looking caps that contained cellulose. There were no changes in glucose, cholesterol, and lipoproteins within or between trials (p > 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly higher in the CB versus P trial at the post- supplementation trial (1.66 ± 0.16 vs. 1.51 ± 0.05 mmol/L; p lt 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in average anaerobic power, index of anaerobic fatigue, maximal heart rate, blood lactate, and maximal oxygen uptake within or between trials (p > 0.05). Heart rate recovery (HRR) index increased significantly in CB group as compared with baseline level (38 ± 4 vs. 32 ± 5 beats/min; p lt 0.05). Blood lactate after 10 min of recovery (Lactrec) significantly decreased in the CB group after supplementation protocol as compared with initial results (7.6 ± 4.2 vs. 5.5 ± 2.6 mmol/L; p lt 0.05). No subject reported any side effects from CB or P. The results of the present study indicate that supplementation with a CB formulation slightly increased antioxidant capacity, but there were minimal effects on recovery parameters after exercise in college athletes.