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Background: Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is a malignant subgroup of gliomas. Due to the natural resistance of GBM cells to radio-and chemotherapy usually, recurrence occurs 6-9 months after diagnosis. Objective: This paper reviewed the beneficial effects of Boswellic acid (BA) in adjacent therapy for GBM, based on its possible molecular mechanisms. Methods: In this review paper, all papers indexed in scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Elsevier were searched during 2000 - 2021 using apoptosis, Boswellic acid, cancer, glioblastoma multiform, inflammation, oxidative stress as keywords. Results: The most important compounds of BAs are alpha-boswellic acid, beta- boswellic acid, acetylbeta- boswellic acid, acetyl-alpha- boswellic acid, and 11-keto-beta- boswellic acid (KBA). Antiinflammation, reduction of skin irritation, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anxiolytic, and anti-phlogistic are the main properties of BAs. Boswellic acid is recognized as a chemopreventive agent. Boswellic acid exerts its effects mainly via various mechanisms such as induction of apoptosis and cytotoxic effects on malignant cells, activation of caspases, up-regulation of genes expression with potential antiapoptotic and pro-survival properties, inhibition the signaling and activity pathway of nuclear factorkappa B (NF-κB) and enhancing poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Boswellic acid inhibits the signaling pathway of 5 and 12-lipoxygenase (5, 12 LOX), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are considered triggers in the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Conclusion: Future clinical trials are needed to identify the interaction between Boswellic acid and the severity of GBM and to define the safe dose and effective duration of supplementation.

Purpose Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is becoming a crucial health problem worldwide. Continued and high-speed mutations of this virus result in the appearance of new manifestations, making the control of this disease difficult. It has been shown that well-nourished patients have strong immune systems who mostly have short-term hospitalization compared to others. The purpose of this study is to review the major nutrients involved in the immune system reinforcement and to explain nutritional aspects during the recovery of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach In this review paper, the mechanistic role of nutrients in boosting the immune system and the nutritional aspects during the recovery of COVID-19 patients were discussed. Papers indexed in scientific databases were searched using antioxidants, COVID-19, inflammation, immune system, macronutrient, micronutrient and probiotic as keywords from 2000 to 2022. Findings Because of the adverse effects of drugs like thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and hypercholesterolemia, a balanced diet with enough concentrations of energy and macronutrients could increase the patient's durability. The inflammatory cytokines in a vicious cycle delay patients’ rehabilitation. The main mechanistic roles of micronutrients are attributed to the downregulation of virus replication and are involved in energy homeostasis. Dysbiosis is defined as another disturbance among COVID-19 patients, and supplementation with beneficial strains of probiotics helps to exert anti-inflammatory effects in this regard. Being on a well-planned diet with anti-inflammatory properties could reverse cytokine storms as the major feature of COVID-19. Future studies are needed to determine the safe and effective dose of dietary factors to control the COVID-19 patients. Originality/value Being on a well-planned diet with anti-inflammatory properties could reverse cytokine storms as the major feature of COVID-19. Future studies are needed to determine the safe and effective dose of dietary factors to control the COVID-19 patients.

Purpose Meteorin like-peptide (Metrnl) modulates energy hemostasis and relieves inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Metrnl levels and inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers and body composition parameters in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Design/methodology/approach This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out between August 2020 and March 2021on 93 people (n = 32 obese type 2 diabetic patients, n = 31 healthy obese, n = 30 healthy normal weight). Serum Metrnl levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were measured using standard methods. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. p-Value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Findings Serum Metrnl levels were lower in obese diabetic patients than in healthy normal-weight subjects (82.5 [72.4–94.5] ng/mL compared to 154 [129–189] ng/mL). The difference in Metrnl levels between the two groups was significant (p < 0.001). The difference in Metrnl levels between the two groups was significant. Moreover, a significant correlation between Metrnl level and both TNF-a and hs-CRP was detected (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively) and the correlation between Metrnl and IL-6 was borderline (p = 0.051). A negative correlation was revealed between Metrnl level and anthropometric measurements and body composition (p < 0.05) with the exception of fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass. Originality/value To discover sufficient evidence for the therapeutic function of Metrnl and its use as a prognostic biomarker in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, future clinical studies are needed to highlight other factors influencing Metrnl serum levels.

Objectives Meteorin-like peptide (Metrnl), the newly discovered adipokines involves in glucose and lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential predictors of Metrnl by emphasizing the Irisin, glycemic indices, and lipid profile biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 32 obese types 2 diabetic patients, 31 healthy obese, and 30 healthy normal weight people between August 2020 and March 2021. Serum Metrnl and Irisin, fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin (FI), fasting insulin (FI), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), HbA1c and eAG levels were measured in a standard manner. To assay insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity, the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and quantitative check index (QUICKI) model were used. Quantile regression analysis with the backward elimination method was used to explore predictors. The significant level was defined as p Results Between variables entered into the model, only the group item showed to be the main predictor of Metrnl in type 2 diabetic patients. Besides, the serum level of Irisin was lower in diabetic patients, and a significant difference was detected between obese diabetic patients and the normal weight group (p=0.024). Conclusions Given the multi-causality of diabetes and also the possible therapeutic role of Metrnl in the management of type 2 diabetic patients’ abnormalities, designing future studies are needed to discover other predictors of Metrnl and the related mechanisms of Metrnl in the management of diabetes.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the potential relationship between depression, diabetes knowledge and self-care management with quality of life in diabetic patients. Design/methodology/approach This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 309 diabetic patients in Tabriz, Iran in 2015-2017. Quality of life was assessed by a validated questionnaire. The Persian version of the Beck Aeron questionnaire was used to assess the depression status. Knowledge and self-care management was evaluated by the health belief model questionnaire. Simple and multiple regression models were used to determine the relationship between the mentioned factors and the quality of life in diabetic patients. Findings Thirty-six per cent of the patients suffered from depression. The mean score of the total quality of life was 33.75 ± 8.72. The scores of the three domains of the quality of life were less than the normal range (“complication of diabetes” domain: 9.93 ± 3.16, “diagnosis, therapy and follow-up” domain: 10.91 ± 3.31, “psycho-social effect of diabetes” domain: 12.93 ± 4.41). The score of “complication of diabetes” score in males was significantly higher than females (p = 0.001). There was a significant relationship between depression (p < 0.001), self-care management (p = 0.019) and two parameters of knowledge (diet: p = 0.006 and diabetes: p = 0.004) with quality of life of diabetic patients. Originality/value The obtained results presented an unfavorable status of knowledge, physical and mental health in diabetic patients and a strong relationship between health-related factors with quality of life. Therefore, it is suggested to hold community-based health-promoting programs to enhance the overall life satisfaction in people with diabetes.

Abstract. Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have received more attention because of high prevalence and mortality rate. Besides genetic and environmental factors, the epigenetic abnormality is also involved in the pathogenesis of NCDs. Methylation of DNA, chromatin remodeling, modification of histone, and long non-coding RNAs are the main components of epigenetic phenomena. Methodology: In this review paper, the mechanistic role of vitamins and dietary patterns on epigenetic modification was discussed. All papers indexed in scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Elsevier were searched during 2000 - 2021 using, vitamins, diet, epigenetic repression, histones, methylation, acetylation, and NCDs as keywords. Results: The components of healthy dietary patterns like Mediterranean and dietary approaches to stop hypertension diets have a beneficial effect on epigenetic hemostasis. Both quality and quantity of dietary components influence epigenetic phenomena. A diet with calorie deficiency in protein content and methyl-donor agents in a long time, with a high level of fat, disrupts epigenetic hemostasis and finally, causes genome instability. Also, soluble and insoluble vitamins have an obvious role in epigenetic modifications. Most vitamins interact directly with methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation pathways of histone and DNA. However, numerous indirect functions related to the cell cycle stability and genome integrity have been recognized. Conclusion: Considering the crucial role of a healthy diet in epigenetic homeostasis, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern containing enough levels of vitamin and avoiding the western diet seems to be necessary. Having a healthy diet and consuming the recommended dietary level of vitamins can also contribute to epigenetic stability.

Purpose This paper aims to study the impact of combination Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Heriz I and Beta glucan on quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer (BC) patients receiving chemotherapy. Design/methodology/approach In all, 30 women with BC were enrolled in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Intervention group received either daily one capsule of L. rhamnosus strain Heriz I (2 × 107 CFU) and two 10-mg capsules of soluble1–3,1–6,D-beta glucan and the placebo group receiving placebo, interval between two courses of chemotherapy. Health-related QOL was evaluated at baseline and end of the trial using the EORTC QOL Questionnaire version.3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Findings The results showed that combination of L. rhamnosus Heriz I and Beta glucan supplementation in BC patients during chemotherapy improved functional scales score from 37.3 ± 12.1 to 39.8 ± 6.8 and this increase in comparison with placebo was significant after adjusting baseline value (p = 0.015). Changes in symptoms scores were not significant after intervention (p = 0.05) but the decreased score (66.1 ± 12.9 to 60.6 ± 9.4) was considerable clinically. As well as, changes in global health status/QOL score in intervention group in comparison with the placebo group was not significant (p = 0.93). Originality/value The findings suggest that combination of L. rhamnosus Heriz I and Beta glucan may be associated for improving functional scales and symptoms in patients with BC who underwent chemotherapy. To prove positive effect of supplements on other aspects of QOL, further studies are needed.

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the prevalence of general obesity (GO) and abdominal obesity (AO) in the north-west of Iran and investigate the association with food choices and socioeconomic status (SES). Design/methodology/approach In this cross-sectional study, 500 subjects aged ≥ 18 years were studied. Data on their basic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, dietary habits and physical activity were collected. The authors examined the association between GO and AO with SES and food choices using multiple logistic regression analysis. Findings The prevalence of GO and AO was 26.6 and 43.4%, respectively. A positive association was observed between age and GO (p for trend p for trend 0.005) in both sexes. However, a negative correlation was detected between education and income with GO and AO (p for trend Originality/value Educational attainment, greater income and a higher intake of some specific food groups were associated with lower odds of obesity in the area. More population-based investigations are required to develop effective preventive strategies to control the status of being overweight and obesity in different regions.

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the microbial quality of some traditional cheese samples (sheep, cow and koopeh cheeses) consumed in northwest of Iran, and to detect Shiga-like-toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in cheese samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.Design/methodology/approachAlmost half of the project was based on counting the population of Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, also the other section was related to the isolation and the detection of the STEC and MRSA in cheese samples. The findings were compared with standard maximum and threshold values.FindingsThe results revealed that 36.99, 30.14 and 100% of cheeses exceeded the standard threshold value ofE. coli(102), total coliforms (104) andS. aureus(102). However, total coliforms, in any of the cheese samples examined, did not reach the maximum value and only 24.66% of samples exceeded the maximum value ofE. coli. Also, no significant difference (p> 0.05) in counts of each bacterial group examined in sheep, cow and koopeh cheeses was observed. The colony PCR method demonstrated the existence of 19 MRSA and 2 STEC isolates.Originality/valueThis research showed a general overview of the bacterial quality of cheeses in northwest of Iran.

Objectives Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19) is a metabolic regulating factor with an anti-diabetic effect. This study aimed to evaluate FGF-19 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its relationship with some metabolic risk factors. Methods In this case-control study, 80 diabetic patients and 80 non-diabetic individuals were divided into two subgroups based on body mass index (BMI): obese people (BMI≥30) and participants with normal weight (25>BMI≥18.5). Furthermore, stratified analysis by gender was also performed. The metabolic factors were measured and compared in all groups. The relationship between FGF-19 and the measured items was investigated in each group. Results The FGF-19 levels did not show a significant difference between groups. The serum levels of FGF-19 were negatively associated with some metabolic items, such as BMI, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) (p Conclusions The levels of FGF-19 were negatively correlated to WT, BMI, WC and HC in diabetic males. More studies are needed to warrant these results.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms are believed to be involved in the obesity pathogenesis. This study summarises the results of research concerning the association between VDR polymorphisms and obesity. For this survey, the records of common databases were searched until November 2019. Four loci of the VDR gene in four case-controlled and 22 cross-sectional studies were assessed and evaluated. In the case-control studies, no significant association was observed between ApaI and FokI polymorphism with obesity risk. TaqI "T" allele in two studies was related to a higher risk of obesity. One investigation found no relationship between BsmI and obesity, while another article suggested that the "b" allele is more frequently found in obese subjects. The results of cross-sectional studies did not lead to consistent findings. Although the previous studies failed to arrive at conclusive findings, the effects of VDR polymorphism on obesity development cannot be ignored.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the worldwide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the most common form of the disease, has become a serious threat to public health and is a growing burden on global economies. Due to the unexpected adverse effects of antidiabetic medicines, the use of nutraceuticals as a complementary therapy has drawn extensive attention by investigators. In this issue, a novel nutraceutical, Punicic acid (PA)-the main ingredient of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) that has potential therapeutic effects in T2DM-has been investigated. PA is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist, and unlike synthetic ligands, such as thiazolidinediones, it has no side effects. PA exerts antidiabetic effects via various mechanisms, such as reducing inflammatory cytokines, modulating glucose homeostasis, and antioxidant properties. In this review, we discussed the potential therapeutic effects of PSO and PA and represented the related mechanisms involved in the management of T2DM.

Autophagy pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of some obesity related health problems. As obesity is a nutrient sufficiency condition, autophagy process can be altered in obesity through AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibition. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) as the main modulator of adipogenesis process can be effective in the regulation of obesity related phenotypes. As well, it has been revealed that PPAR-gamma and its agonists can regulate autophagy in different normal or cancer cells. However, their effects on autophagy modulation in obesity have been investigated in the limited number of studies. In the current comprehensive mechanistic review, we aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of PPAR-gamma on the process of autophagy in obesity through narrating the effects of PPAR-gamma on autophagy in the non-obesity conditions. Moreover, mode of action of PPAR-gamma agonists on autophagy related implications comprehensively reviewed in the various studies. Understanding the different effects of PPAR-gamma agonists on autophagy in obesity can help to develop a new approach to management of obesity.

Introduction Cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Gastrointestinal tract malignancy is one of the most common forms of cancer around the world. Occupational exposure to the heavy metals including cadmium was defined as one of the most important environmental risk factors involved in initiation of cancer. Cadmium, a toxic and non-essential heavy metal, was classified as group 1 carcinogen. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the association between blood cadmium levels and the risk of gastrointestinal cancer in cancer patients. Material and methods This descriptive study was carried out on 111 gastrointestinal cancer patients as cases and 111 healthy people as controls from January to October 2013 in Tabriz, northwest of Iran. The protocol of this study is approved by the Ethics Committee in Tabriz University of Medical Science. Considering inclusion criteria, participants were selected randomly and a written informed consent was filled out for each patient. Demographic data were obtained by questionnaire. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from each patient in fasting status and analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS). Results and discussion Blood cadmium levels were significantly higher in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals (P = 0.037). The results of multivariate regression model did not show significant association between the concentrations of blood cadmium and the risk of gastrointestinal cancer: P = 0.137, OR = 1.15 (95% CI; 0.96–1.38). Conclusion Our data suggest that finding individuals with high blood cadmium level and then lowering this amount can be considered as important strategy to prevent gastrointestinal cancer.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the special proteins receptors for recognition of molecules related to the pathogens. In this way, TLRs and secreted cytokines as a result of TLRs activation are involved in the inflammation pathways. So far, in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) with a broad range of effects on body health, can regulate TLRs signaling pathways. Current review aimed at determining the possible mechanisms of micronutrient effects on TLRs functions. In the aspect of gene expression, micronutrients have inconsistent effects on mRNA level of TLRs which are dependent on time, dose and type of studied TLR. Also, some micronutrients affect gene expression of TLRs signaling mediators namely TLRs adaptors like Myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88). In the aspect of TLRs signaling pathways, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is an important mediator which is regulated by micronutrients. Also, the regulatory effects of micronutrients on phosphorylation reactions may be effective in the activation/inactivation of TLRs signaling mediators. In addition, zinc can regulate TLRs signaling indirectly via the zinc finger proteins which have contradictory effects on TLRs cascade. In conclusion, the relationship between micronutrients and TLRs signaling is complicated and depends on some known internal, external and genetic factors like form of studied micronutrient, cell type, TLR agonist, dose and time of exposure, inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and environmental factors. Some unknown factors may be effective in TLRs response and as a result additional mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate exact effect of micronutrients on TLRs signaling.

Backgrounds & aims Spexin (SPX) as a novel polypeptide hormone plays a role in carbohydrate & lipid metabolism, energy balance, and calorie intake and it has a potential role in pathology of diabetes mellitus. Current study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum spexin levels and metabolic syndrome components in obese and normal weight people with or without diabetes. Methods Eighty-six men and eighty-two women were recruited in this study as obese and normal weight people with or without diabetes. Insulin, HbA1c, FBS, TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels, serum SPX, weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, as well as blood pressure were measured by standard methods. Results There was a significant inverse relationship between serum levels of SPX and waist circumference (r = −0.37, P = 0.016) and triglyceride (r = −0.34, P = 0.028) in healthy people with normal weight. Moreover, a considerable relationship was observed between levels of SPX and FBS in healthy obese people (r = −0.42, P = 0.006). Conclusions There was an inverse relationship between serum SPX and three components of metabolic syndrome, including FBS levels, waist circumference values, and serum TG concentrations in people without diabetes, highlighting SPX as a potential marker of metabolic syndrome in healthy people without diabetes.

Purpose Diabetes is one of the most prevailed chronic diseases in the world. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has potential anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the use of PSO on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), pro-inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profile levels in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Design/methodology/approach In total, 52 patients were randomly assigned to the PSO (n = 26) and placebo (n = 26) groups. Subjects received daily PSO 3 g placebo (paraffin) in 1 g soft-gel capsules (along with breakfast, lunch and dinner meals) for eight weeks. Findings Serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS) decreased from 161.46 ± 34.44 to 143.50 ± 24.2 mg/dL (p = 0.008), IL-6 decreased from 5.17 ± 2.25 to 4.52 ± 1.90 (p = 0.049) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) significantly decreased from 9.17 ± 4.13 to 7.74 ± 2.44 pmol/mL in PSO group (p = 0.030). However, changes in the expression of PPAR-γ gene, serum levels of hs-CRP and lipid profile levels were not significant. Research limitations/implications Lack of PSO concentration measurements and the short duration of the study were the key limitations. Future randomized clinical trials with a longer period of follow-up are needed to assess the potential anti-diabetic effects of PSO. Originality/value Administration of PSO in obese type 2 diabetic patients reduced the levels of FBS, interleukin 6 and TNF-α; nevertheless, changes in the insulin, lipid profiles and hs-CRP were not significant.

Purpose: Obesity as a serious public health problem worldwide, results in the incidence of many chronic diseases. Obesity has been recognized as a chronic low-grade inflammation disorder. Altered endocannabinoid system tone is also involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oleoylethanolamide supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in obese people. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 60 healthy obese people in 2016 in Tabriz, Iran. Eligible subjects were randomly divided into intervention (received daily, two 125 mg OEA capsules) and control groups (the same amounts of starch) and treated for 8 weeks. Blood samples (5 ml) were taken in fasting state at the baseline and at the end of the study. The concentrations of MDA and TAS were measured using a spectrophotometer. A high sensitive-C reactive protein level was measured by Immunoturbidimetry assay using the commercial kit. IL-6 and TNF-α levels were assayed by the ELISA method. The differences between groups were assessed by ANCOVA and statistical significance was determined at p0.05). Conclusion: The use of OEA as a complementary pharmacotherapy agent could be effective in improving inflammation and oxidative stress in obese people. Future studies are needed to confirm the obtained results.

Obesity is a common health problem. Appetite is one of the main obesity-controlling factors that can be influenced by leptin. Leptin reduces food intake and accelerates energy expenditure. Leptin levels can be affected by dietary factors such as fats, special amino acids, and fructose. This study aimed to determine the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 (PUFA n-3) supplementation on serum leptin levels, appetite sensations, and dietary intakes in obese people. This study was performed on 60 obese individuals with body mass index (BMI) 30 (kg/m

Vitamin D is one of the main groups of sterols; playing an important role in phospho-calcic metabolism. The conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to pre- vitamin D3 in the skin, through solar ultraviolet B radiation, is the main source of vitamin D. Since lupus patients are usually photosensitive, the risk of developing vitamin D deficiency in is high in this population. Although evidences showed the connotation between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and vitamin D through which SLE can lead to lower vitamin D levels, it is also important to consider the possibility that vitamin D deficiency may have a causative role in SLE etiology. This paper analyzes existing data from various studies to highlight the role of vitamin D deficiency in SLE occurrence and aggravation and the probable efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on SLE patients. We searched “Science Direct” and “Pub Med” using “Vitamin D” and “SLE” for finding the studies focusing on the association between vitamin D deficiency and SLE incidence and consequences. Evidences show that vitamin D plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of SLE and vitamin D supplementation seems to ameliorate inflammatory and hemostatic markers; so, can improve clinical subsequent.

Akkermansia muciniphila bacterium is one of the inhabitant gut microbiota involving in the energy homeostasis and inhibition of the inflammations. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) supplementation on the abundance of A. muciniphila and the dietary intakes in obese people. In this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 60 eligible obese people were selected and divided randomly into two groups including OEA group (received two capsules containing 125 mg of OEA daily) and placebo group (received two capsules containing 125 mg of starch daily). The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes were evaluated according to the three -day food record and, were analyzed by the Nutritionist 4 software. In order to evaluate the changes in the abundance of A. muciniphila bacterium, faeces samples were collected at baseline and at the end of study. The targeting of the 16S rRNA gene in A. muciniphila was measured by the quantitative real-time PCR analysis. For OEA group, the energy and carbohydrate intakes decreased significantly after adjusting for baseline values and confounder factors; (p = 0.035), the amount of carbohydrate was reported as 422.25 (SD = 103.11) gr and 368.44 (SD = 99.08) gr; (p = 0.042)), before and after the treatment, respectively. The abundance of A. muciniphila bacterium increased significantly in OEA group compared to placebo group (p 0.001). Considering the accumulating evidence identified OEA as a novel, safe, and efficacious pharmaceutical agent increasing the abundance of A. muciniphila bacterium and modifying the energy balance, therefore it is suggested to use its supplement for treatment of the obese people. However, future studies are needed to confirm the positive results obtained in this study.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread toxic heavy metal and has long biological half-life. It has potential carcinogenic effects on multiple organ systems of human. However, no studies have evaluated the adverse effects of cadmium on incidence of cancer in gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between urine cadmium (U-Cd) levels and risk of gastrointestinal cancer. This descriptive study was accomplished on 111 GI cancer patients as cases and 111 healthy people as control subjects from January to October in Tabriz, northwest Iran, during 2013. Cadmium in urine samples was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS). GI cancer patients had higher urine cadmium levels in comparison to healthy individuals (p

Gut microbiota has been shown to affect many populations' health. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been found to balance the gut microbiota toward healthy microbes resulting in enhanced health for consumers. The goal of this study was to survey the publication rate on pro-, pre-, and synbiotics and determine the contribution from different countries to these fields. All data were obtained from Medline and Web of Science. No time limit was applied in Medline, and in the Web of Science, citation was restricted to the years 1993-2011. The software package of Dr. Biglu was used to extract the desired information. The results indicated a growing rate in the publishing of the mentioned fields in both developed and developing countries, which is predicted to increase in the upcoming years as well. It is suggested that investing more in these fields can help countries improve public health and cut down disease-related costs.

Cancer, a serious public health problem in worldwide, results from an excessive and uncontrolled proliferation of the body cells without obvious physiological demands of organs. The gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach and intestine, is a unique organ system. It has the highest cancer incidence and cancer- related mortality in the body and is influenceed by both genetic and environmental factors. Among the various chemical elements recognized in the nature, some of them including zinc, iron, cobalt, and copper have essential roles in the various biochemical and physiological processes, but only at low levels and others such as cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, and nickel are considered as threats for human health especially with chronic exposure at high levels. Cadmium, an environment contaminant, cannot be destroyed in nature. Through impairment of vitamin D metabolism in the kidney it causes nephrotoxicity and subsequently bone metabolism impairment and fragility. The major mechanisms involved in cadmium carcinogenesis could be related to the suppression of gene expression, inhibition of DNA damage repair, inhibition of apoptosis, and induction of oxidative stress. In addition, cadmium may act through aberrant DNA methylation. Cadmium affects multiple cellular processes, including signal transduction pathways, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Down-regulation of methyltransferases enzymes and reduction of DNA methylation have been stated as epigenetic effects of cadmium. Furthermore, increasing intracellular free calcium ion levels induces neuronal apoptosis in addition to other deleterious influence on the stability of the genome.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Zingiber officinale on some biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetic (DM2) patients. In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial, 64 patients with DM2 were assigned to ginger or placebo groups (receiving 2 g/d of each). A 3 d diet record, anthropometric measurements and concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FPG), HbA1c, lipid profile (including total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein) and also the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were determined before and after 2 months of intervention. Ginger supplementation significantly lowered the levels of insulin (11.0 ± 2.3 versus 12.1 ± 3.3; p = 0.001), LDL-C (67.8 ± 27.2 versus 89.2 ± 24.9; p = 0.04), TG (127.7 ± 43.7 versus 128.2 ± 37.7; p = 0.03) and the HOMA index (3.9 ± 1.09 versus 4.5 ± 1.8; p = 0.002) and increased the QUICKI index (0.313 ± 0.012 versus 0.308 ± 0.012; p = 0.005) in comparison to the control group; while, there were no significant changes in FPG, TC, HDL-C and HbA1c (p 0.05). In summary, ginger supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and some fractions of lipid profile in DM2 patients. Therefore it may be considered as a useful remedy to reduce the secondary complications of DM2.