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The effects of probiotics supplementation on glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.
Li, G, Feng, H, Mao, XL, Deng, YJ, Wang, XB, Zhang, Q, Guo, Y, Xiao, SM
Journal of translational medicine. 2023;21(1):442
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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), an endocrine and metabolic disease, is influenced by host physiology and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the maintenance of host homeostasis and pathogenesis of T2DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic intervention on glycaemic control in T2DM patients and to evaluate the variations in these effects due to participant characteristics and intervention characteristics. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of thirty randomised-controlled studies including a total of 1,827 individuals. Results showed that probiotic supplementation had favourable effects on glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Bifdobacterium and food-type probiotics had greater glucose-lowering effects than other probiotic genera and types of vehicles used to deliver the probiotics. Authors concluded that the administration of probiotics may be a promising adjuvant therapy for glycaemic control in T2DM patients.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics supplementation on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on the data from the randomised clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS PubMed, Web of Sciences, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from the inception to October 2022, and RCTs about probiotics and T2DM were collected. The standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the effects of probiotics supplementation on glycaemic control related parameters, e.g. fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS Thirty RCTs including 1,827 T2MD patients were identified. Compared with the placebo group, the probiotics supplementation group had a significant decrease in the parameters of glycaemic control, including FBG (SMD = - 0.331, 95% CI - 0.424 to - 0.238, Peffect < 0.001), insulin (SMD = - 0.185, 95% CI - 0.313 to - 0.056, Peffect = 0.005), HbA1c (SMD = - 0.421, 95% CI - 0.584 to - 0.258, Peffect < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (SMD = - 0.224, 95% CI - 0.342 to - 0.105, Peffect < 0.001). Further subgroup analyses showed that the effect was larger in the subgroups of Caucasians, high baseline body mass index (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), Bifidobacterium and food-type probiotics (Psubgroup < 0.050). CONCLUSION This study supported that probiotics supplementation had favourable effects on glycaemic control in T2DM patients. It may be a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with T2DM.
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The effect of selenium supplementation in pregnant women on maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
McDougall, AR, Dore, G, Aboud, L, Makama, M, Nguyen, PY, Mills, K, Sanderson, B, Hastie, R, Ammerdorffer, A, Vogel, JP
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM. 2023;5(11):101160
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Observational data show preterm birth risk is increased with low maternal selenium serum levels. Selenium is routinely included in supplements marketed to pregnant women, although studies have drawn conflicting findings about whether it provides benefit. The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the available interventional and observational evidence of the effect of selenium supplementation during pregnancy on preterm birth (PTB) prevention. This study was a systematic review of thirty-two studies - 5 observational studies and 27 randomised trials. Results showed that there was no association between selenium supplementation and any clinical outcome. Authors concluded that since there was insufficient evidence in all outcomes, selenium supplementation during pregnancy cannot be recommended as a part of routine antenatal care.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low maternal selenium status has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth. This study aimed to evaluate available evidence of the effects of selenium supplementation during pregnancy on preterm birth and related maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched on June 23, 2022, without language or time restrictions. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized interventional studies were included if they compared the effects of selenium supplementation with placebo or no treatment among pregnant women. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identification number: CRD42022383669). METHODS For outcomes reported by ≥1 study, a meta-analysis was conducted. Because of the small number of studies and high clinical heterogeneity between populations, random-effects models were used. The Risk of Bias 2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tools were used to assess study quality, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation analysis was used to determine the certainty of evidence for each outcome. RESULTS Literature searches identified 5105 unique records, and 32 studies met the eligibility criteria. Of note, 11 reports were not included for analysis following research integrity assessments. Moreover, 10 trials and 3 observational studies met the inclusion criteria; however, only 8 trials (1851 women) and 1 prospective cohort study (71,728 women) reported on at least 1 review outcome. Our results could not determine the effect of selenium supplementation on preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation (relative risk, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-1.63; very low certainty evidence) and <34 weeks of gestation (relative risk, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.44; very low certainty evidence). CONCLUSION There is limited evidence on the effects of selenium supplementation during pregnancy. Further trials, with larger sample sizes, more representative populations, and reliable assessment of maternal selenium status at trial entry, are required.
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Improving perinatal sleep via a scalable cognitive behavioural intervention: findings from a randomised controlled trial from pregnancy to 2 years postpartum.
Bei, B, Pinnington, DM, Quin, N, Shen, L, Blumfield, M, Wiley, JF, Drummond, SPA, Newman, LK, Manber, R
Psychological medicine. 2023;53(2):513-523
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Sleep disturbance is a universal experience during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. Sleep disturbance is linked to a range of negative consequences. Literature shows that cognitive behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment, with comparable short-term and superior long-term effects to sleep medication alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-, medium-, and long-term efficacy of a non-pharmacological sleep intervention in the perinatal periods. The study was a longitudinal randomised controlled trial based on the SEED (Sleep Eat Emotions and Development) project which was a two-arm, parallel-group, single-blind, superiority randomised controlled trial. Participants were pregnant women enrolled in Childbirth Education and were randomised 1:1 to the intervention or a comparison condition. Results showed that compared to receiving an attention- and time-matched control, receiving a cognitive behavioural sleep intervention was associated with lower symptoms of insomnia, sleep disturbance, and sleep-related impairment during late pregnancy. Moreover, the intervention had long-term benefits to gestational parents’ sleep at 2-year postpartum. Authors conclude that a scalable cognitive behavioural sleep intervention, tailored for the perinatal periods, is feasible, acceptable, and efficacious in buffering against the natural increase in sleep complaints during the 3rd trimester.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbance is common in gestational parents during pregnancy and postpartum periods. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a scalable cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sleep intervention tailored for these periods. METHODS This is a two-arm, parallel-group, single-blind, superiority randomised controlled trial. Nulliparous females without severe medical/psychiatric conditions were randomised 1:1 to CBT or attention- and time-matched control. All participants received a 1 h telephone session and automated multimedia emails from the third trimester until 6 months postpartum. Outcomes were assessed with validated instruments at gestation weeks 30 (baseline) and 35 (pregnancy endpoint), and postpartum months 1.5, 3, 6 (postpartum endpoint), 12 and 24. RESULTS In total, 163 eligible participants (age M ± s.d. = 33.35 ± 3.42) were randomised. The CBT intervention was well accepted, with no reported adverse effect. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that compared to control, receiving CBT was associated with lower insomnia severity and sleep disturbance (two primary outcomes), and lower sleep-related impairment at the pregnancy endpoint (p values ⩽ 0.001), as well as at 24 months postpartum (p ranges 0.012-0.052). Group differences across the first postpartum year were non-significant. Participants with elevated insomnia symptoms at baseline benefitted substantially more from CBT (v. control), including having significantly lower insomnia symptoms throughout the first postpartum year. Group differences in symptoms of depression or anxiety were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS A scalable CBT sleep intervention is efficacious in buffering against sleep disturbance during pregnancy and benefitted sleep at 2-year postpartum, especially for individuals with insomnia symptoms during pregnancy. The intervention holds promise for implementation into routine perinatal care.
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The Efficacy of Self-Management Strategies for Females with Endometriosis: a Systematic Review.
Mardon, AK, Leake, HB, Hayles, C, Henry, ML, Neumann, PB, Moseley, GL, Chalmers, KJ
Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.). 2023;30(2):390-407
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Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition with symptoms of pelvic pain, fatigue, and stress. Decreased quality of life, impaired fertility and hinderances to carry out day to day tasks are all associated with endometriosis. Treatment options involve medications and surgery; however, both are associated with poorer outcomes than the initial disease itself. Self-management strategies that the individual can perform themselves, such as lifestyle changes, meditation, and rest have all been used to improve the quality of life of individuals with endometriosis, however their effectiveness has not been determined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of self-management strategies for the management of endometriosis. The study showed that many self-management strategies were no more effective than placebo or hormonal therapies for the management of endometriosis. It was concluded that many self-management strategies were no more effective than hormonal treatment at reducing endometriosis symptoms and the studies that did show a benefit were insufficient to base recommendations on due to poor design. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that currently the research on self-management strategies of endometriosis is poor and whilst some may be of benefit to individuals who cannot or do not want to take hormone therapy, more research is warranted.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
It is not possible to generalise the findings of this systematic review for the self-management of endometriosis due to the poor quality of evidence. Further studies of higher quality are needed.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Introduction
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where endometrial-like tissue is found outside of the uterus. Diagnosis of endometriosis is made in around 6-10% of females of reproductive age. Endometriosis can adversely affect fertility, psychological well being and quality of life (QoL). Conventional interventions can have side effects and limited effectiveness. The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to evaluate the efficacy of self-management interventions for pain-related symptoms and QoL.
Methods
Fifteen experimental studies were included in this SR. Ten evaluated dietary supplements, three evaluated dietary modifications, one evaluated over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and one evaluated exercise. Outcome measures were self-reported for dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, overall pain, non-menstrual pelvic pain, use of medications and QoL.
Results
- Most dietary supplements were no more effective than placebo or frequently recommended medical interventions, at reducing pain-related outcomes.
- Melatonin (one RCT n=30) performed better than placebo for managing dysmenorrhoea and overall pain but not for non-menstrual pelvic pain. PEA-transploydatin (one RCT n=20) performed better than placebo for dysmenorrhoea and non-menstrual pelvic pain but not better than medical intervention.
- Resveratrol (one RCT n=22 & one intervention study n=12) plus the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) was more effective than the OCP alone for managing dysmenorrhoea.
- In one observational study, 75% of participants (n=295) reported a reduction in ‘high’ intensity pain scores following a 12-month gluten-free diet (p- value =<0.005). Similarly, a full dietary modification (one non randomised controlled trial , n=30) found less participants reporting pain at ‘high intensity’ (18%) compared to linseed and calcium oil supplements (41%) and placebo (62%).
- A metal trace element supplement was more effective than placebo for managing overall pain (one RCT p- value<0.001).
- Naproxen (one cross over trial, n=11) performed better than placebo at managing dysmenorrhoea (83% vs 41%, p- value 0.008).
- Hatha yoga (one RCT n=12) was found to be effective at reducing overall pain and improving QoL compared to no yoga (p-value <0.05).
Conclusion
Due to limited, low-quality evidence, high risk of bias and high levels of heterogeneity between studies, it was not possible to generalise the findings of the studies included in this systematic review. Further research of high-quality is needed in order to make self-management recommendations for females with endometriosis.
Notes: The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
Clinical practice applications:
Evidence-based self-management interventions are considered critical for the management of endometriosis. However, the quality of evidence in this SR was considered of poor quality. Further high-quality research is needed in order to be able to make recommendations. Strategies that showed potential benefits included:
- Dietary modifications and a gluten-free diet may be effective for reducing the intensity of pain associated with endometriosis.
- Hatha yoga may be effective at reducing overall pain and supporting psychological wellbeing and QoL.
Considerations for future research:
High quality studies are needed as well as a ‘gold standard’ definition for self-management criteria. Understanding potential barriers to self-management interventions may also be beneficial.
Abstract
Self-management is critical for the care of endometriosis. Females with endometriosis frequently use self-management strategies to manage associated symptoms; however, the efficacy of such strategies is unknown. The aim of this review was to systematically appraise the evidence concerning efficacy of self-management strategies for endometriosis symptoms. Electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched from inception to March 2021. We included peer-reviewed experimental studies published in English evaluating the efficacy of self-management strategies in human females laparoscopically diagnosed with endometriosis. Studies underwent screening, data extraction, and risk of bias appraisal (randomised studies: Risk of Bias 2 tool; non-randomised studies: Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tool). Of the fifteen studies included, 10 evaluated dietary supplements, three evaluated dietary modifications, one evaluated over-the-counter medication, and one evaluated exercise. Most studies had a high-critical risk of bias. Many self-management strategies were not more effective at reducing endometriosis symptoms compared to placebo or hormonal therapies. Where studies suggest efficacy for self-management strategies, no recommendations can be made due to the poor quality and heterogeneity of evidence. High-quality empirical evidence is required to investigate the efficacy of self-management strategies for females with endometriosis.
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Effect of Health Promotion Interventions in Active Aging in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Davodi, SR, Zendehtalab, H, Zare, M, Behnam Vashani, H
International journal of community based nursing and midwifery. 2023;11(1):34-43
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The change in global demographics, with an increase in the proportion of the elderly who take up a large proportion of healthcare resources, will become a major challenge for health systems. Active ageing is defined by the WHO as “the process of promoting health, social security, and social contribution of the elderly to promote their quality of life”. The aim of this Iranian 6-week randomised controlled trial, including 60 participants aged 60 years or over, was to evaluate the effectiveness of an active ageing programme. The weekly group sessions included the topics nutrition, physical activity, responsibility, stress management, communications and spiritual aspects. Outcome measures were various questionnaires. Compared to controls, patients undergoing the programme experienced significant improvements in active mind maintenance, physical-functional activity, social contacts, productive engagement, social-institutional participation, but not agent attitude. The authors conclude that training programmes at the level of health centres are effective in promoting active ageing in an elderly population.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active aging has been the paradigm of the old-age lifestyle. Integrated aging care interventions in health centers primarily focus on diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, and cardiovascular diseases, and there is no program or training regarding active aging. This study was carried out from September to December 2021 to determine the effectiveness of an intervention program to promote active aging in the elderly referred to Mashhad health centers. METHODS This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 elderly individuals without disabling diseases and cognitive impairment who presented to the Daneshamooz health center in Mashhad in 2021. Through a simple block allocation scheme, those who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the health promotion program during 6 sessions (one session per week) about nutrition, physical activity, responsibility, stress management, communications, and spiritual aspects. The data were gathered using the active aging questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software version 25; independent and paired t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney U tests were utilized. P value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The results of this study demonstrated that after the intervention, the total active aging score in the intervention group increased significantly (68.5±3 to 85±8.25) (P<0.001) and there was a significant difference between the control and intervention groups (68±3.25 to 85±8.25) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION According to the results, training based on a health-enhancement approach can effectively promote active aging in the elderly. Therefore, more attention should be paid to strategic planning for active aging in health centers.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20210308050639N.
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Lack of association between endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Martínez, MÁ, Marquès, M, Salas-Huetos, A, Babio, N, Domingo, JL, Salas-Salvadó, J
Environmental research. 2023;217:114942
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Exposure to natural or synthetic chemicals is directly related to environmental conditions, dietary and other lifestyle factors. Some of these chemicals are named endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) because of their capability to interfere with the endocrine system. The aim of this study was to summarise and explore the association between exposure to EDCs and human male fertility indicators. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of seven studies; 4 assessed bisphenol A (BPA) in urine and sperm quality parameters, while 3 articles evaluated PCB153 [polychlorinated biphenyls] in serum and sperm quality parameters. Results show that there weren’t any positive or inverse associations between BPA or PCB153 and the sperm parameters analysed. Authors conclude that the systematic review showed a high disparity between studies, making difficult a consensus on the possible detrimental effect of the 12 groups of EDCs on male fertility. Thus, no conclusive statements can be drawn. Further studies are needed in order to provide more robust data.
Abstract
The incidence of infertility currently affects about 15% of the world's population. Male factors are estimated to be responsible for up to 40-50% of these cases. While the cause of these reproductive disorders is still unclear, the exposure to a family of ubiquitous compounds in our daily life, named endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) could be involved. This paper was aimed at performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of population studies exploring whether human male exposure to EDCs affects male fertility. Clinical and observational studies assessing the exposure to EDCs along with sperm quality, the most common reproductive disorders, sperm DNA damage, sperm oxidative stress, fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and miscarriage rate were included. The quality assessment tool from the NHLBI-NIH was used to assure that studies met standardized quality criteria. Sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity among studies was assessed. Overall, the 32 selected articles, including 7825 individuals in the systematic review, explored 12 families of EDCs. The results revealed a high heterogeneity among studies in relation to the association between exposure to EDCs and the endpoints analyzed. Meta-analyses were performed with data from 7 articles including 479 individuals, 4 articles assessing the association between BPA in urine and sperm quality, and 3 articles evaluating PCB153 in serum and sperm quality. In the meta-analysis, we identified an unpredicted significant positive association between PCB153 exposure and sperm concentration. However, it would not be clinically relevant. No positive or inverse associations were found neither for BPA, nor for PCB153 and the rest of sperm parameters analyzed. The high disparity between studies made difficult to draw conclusions on the potential harmful effects of EDCs on male fertility. Consequently, to delineate the potential relationship that EDCs can have on male fertility, an important condition stressing the health system, further investigations are required.
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The Effect of Regular Consumption of Reformulated Breads on Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Schadow, AM, Revheim, I, Spielau, U, Dierkes, J, Schwingshackl, L, Frank, J, Hodgson, JM, Moreira-Rosário, A, Seal, CJ, Buyken, AE, et al
Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). 2023;14(1):30-43
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The metabolic effect of bread depends on several qualitative aspects ranging from the type of grain, the amount of carbohydrates, levels of other nutrients, as well as the chemical structure and processing. The aim of this study was to assess the certainty of the evidence and to investigate the overall effect of regular consumption of reformulated breads on glycaemic control in the following groups: a) healthy adults; b) those at risk of developing cardiometabolic disease (e.g., having hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolemia and/or overweight/obesity); and c) those with manifest type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 studies and 23 distinct study populations. All studies were randomised controlled trials, 12 of which had a crossover design and 10 had a parallel design. In total, 1037 participants were included. These provided 669 and 595 data points for intervention and control comparisons, respectively. Results show a beneficial effect of reformulated bread variants on fasting blood glucose concentrations. This benefit may be more pronounced among people with manifest T2DM (low certainty of evidence). Authors conclude that bread quality is relevant for metabolic health among adults and that future studies should address its relevance among people at risk of T2DM.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
This study’s findings suggest the effect of reformulated breads high in dietary fibre, whole grains, and/or functional ingredients may be more beneficial than regular breads on fasting blood glucose concentrations in adults, primarily among those with T2DM. Reformulated breads however, did not lower fasting insulin concentrations, HOMA-IR and HbA1C when compared to regular bread.
Evidence Category:
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X
A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Overview
This study evaluated the effect of regular consumption of “reformulated breads” on glycemic control among healthy adults, adults at cardiometabolic risk or with manifest T2DM in 22 RCTs with 1037 participants. Compared with “regular” or comparator bread, consumption of reformulated intervention breads yielded lower fasting blood glucose concentrations only among people with T2DM (low certainty of evidence), yet no differences in fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, or postprandial glucose response were identified.
[*’reformulated bread’ as defined by the World Health Organisation of altering the processing or composition of a food to improve its nutritional profile, and contained whole-grains and dietary fibre]
Results
Sub group analysis revealed that the effect of reformulated breads high in dietary fibre, whole grains, and/or functional ingredients on lowering fasting blood glucose was confined to participants with T2DM, with no significant effect among participants without T2DM (0.68 mmol/L; 95% CI: 1.11, 0.36; I2 1⁄4 57% and 0.04 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.05; I2 1⁄4 25%, respectively; P < 0.001).
Subgroup analyses by continent revealed a more pronounced effect on fasting blood glucose concentrations in studies conducted in Asia and the Middle East compared with studies conducted in Europe, North America, and Oceania (MD: 0.84 mmol/L; 95% CI: 1.35, 0.33; I2 1⁄4 52% and MD: 0.04 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.03; I2 1⁄4 0%, respectively; P < 0.001)
Additional subgroup analyses found that the type of control bread, but not the type of intervention bread, affected the pooled effect estimate of fasting blood glucose concentration (P 1⁄4 0.03), with the largest difference reported in studies not describing the control bread used.
Limitations
Publication bias was considered negligible for the studies included in this meta-analysis, and the risk of bias assessment revealed that most of the studies had some concerns of risk of bias. One author is a member of the International Carbohydrate Quality Consortium and another is a member of the GRADE working group.
Strengths
This systematic review and meta-analysis include the focus on high-quality intervention studies (i.e., RCTs using either crossover or parallel design) and the inclusion of longer-term studies (>2 wk) to address the effectiveness of regular bread replacement for glycemic control in everyday life.
Clinical practice applications:
- This data suggests that bread quality is relevant for metabolic health among adults at risk of T2DM. In particular, reformulated breads were found to have a more beneficial impact than regular breads on fasting blood glucose concentrations in adults with TsDM. However, consumption of the reformulated bread (enriched with dietary fiber, whole grains, or functional ingredients) did not lower fasting insulin concentrations compared with the control breads (MD: 1.59 pmol/L; 95% CI: 5.78, 2.59; moderate certainty of evidence)
- Consumption of the reformulated bread did not lower HOMA-IR compared with the control breads (MD: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.22; moderate certainty of evidence)
- Consumption of the reformulated bread did not lower HbA1c concentrations compared with the control bread (0.14; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.10; P 1⁄4 0.195; very low certainty of evidence).
Considerations for future research:
- Longer intervention periods may be required to determine the beneficial effects on the HbA1c concentrations and to elicit changes in markers of insulin resistance
- Future studies should use the 2022 WHO standardised HbA1c diagnostic reference criterion for diabetes mellitus
- Improvements in specific outcomes may also be linked to defined groups within populations such as persons with manifest T2DM.
- The type of reformulation of the bread may be an important factor but differ considerably around the world
Abstract
Bread is a major source of grain-derived carbohydrates worldwide. High intakes of refined grains, low in dietary fiber and high in glycemic index, are linked with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other chronic diseases. Hence, improvements in the composition of bread could influence population health. This systematic review evaluated the effect of regular consumption of reformulated breads on glycemic control among healthy adults, adults at cardiometabolic risk or with manifest T2DM. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies employed a bread intervention (≥2 wk) in adults (healthy, at cardiometabolic risk or manifest T2DM) and reported glycemic outcomes (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, and postprandial glucose responses). Data were pooled using generic inverse variance with random-effects model and presented as mean difference (MD) or standardized MD between treatments with 95% CIs. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 1037 participants). Compared with "regular" or comparator bread, consumption of reformulated intervention breads yielded lower fasting blood glucose concentrations (MD: -0.21 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.38, -0.03; I2 = 88%, moderate certainty of evidence), yet no differences in fasting insulin (MD: -1.59 pmol/L; 95% CI: -5.78, 2.59; I2 = 38%, moderate certainty of evidence), HOMA-IR (MD: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.35, 0.23; I2 = 60%, moderate certainty of evidence), HbA1c (MD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.39, 0.10; I2 = 56%, very low certainty of evidence), or postprandial glucose response (SMD: -0.46; 95% CI: -1.28, 0.36; I2 = 74%, low certainty of evidence). Subgroup analyses revealed a beneficial effect for fasting blood glucose only among people with T2DM (low certainty of evidence). Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of reformulated breads high in dietary fiber, whole grains, and/or functional ingredients on fasting blood glucose concentrations in adults, primarily among those with T2DM. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020205458.
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Short-term removal of exercise impairs glycemic control in older adults: A randomized trial.
Reynolds, LJ, Williams, TM, Harden, JE, Twiddy, HM, Kearney, ML
Physiological reports. 2023;11(2):e15591
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Advancements in glucose monitoring make assessing free-living postprandial blood glucose levels convenient and feasible. Continuous glucose monitoring systems assess blood glucose levels 24h a day and have been demonstrated to enhance diabetes management. Both acutely and chronically, physical activity and/or exercise is a powerful modulator of glycaemic control. The aim of this study was to examine if the alterations in glycaemic control in older adults who exercise were different compared to young adults who exercise, in response to short-term removal of exercise. This study was a randomised, cross-over, exploratory study design which included 20 participants (9 young, active participants and 11 older, active participants). Participants had glycaemic control assessed for 3 days while performing their normal habitual exercise and for 3 days while refraining from habitual exercise. Results show that three days of exercise removal impairs glycaemic control in older adults as well as young adults. In fact, older adults (even though they have worse glycaemic control than younger adults) do not experience a greater impairment in glycaemic control compared to young adults. Authors conclude that their findings support the overall need for regular, daily exercise in adults, particularly older adults, who have a worse glycaemic profile.
Abstract
Postprandial glycemia (PPG) predicts cardiovascular disease, and short-term physical inactivity increases PPG in young, active adults. Whether this occurs in older, active adults who may be more prone to bouts of inactivity is unknown. This study determined if postprandial interstitial glucose (PPIG) was impaired in active older adults following the removal of exercise for 3 days (NOEX) compared to active young adults. In this randomized, crossover study, 11 older (69.1 ± 1.9 years) and 9 young (32.8 ± 1.8 years) habitually active (≥90 min/week of exercise) adults completed 3-days of NOEX and 3-days of normal habitual exercise (EX), separated by ≥1 week. Diet was standardized across phases. Glycemic control (3-day average) was assessed via continuous glucose monitoring during both phases. Significant main effects of age and phase were detected (p < 0.05), but no interaction was found for steps/day (p > 0.05) (old EX: 6283 ± 607, old NOEX 2380 ± 382 and young EX: 8798 ± 623, young NOEX 4075 ± 516 steps/day). Significant main effects of age (p = 0.002) and time (p < 0.001) existed for 1-h PPIG, but no effect of phase or interactions was found (p > 0.05). Significant main effects (p < 0.05) of age (old: 114 ± 1 mg/dl, young: 106 ± 1 mg/dl), phase (NOEX: 112 ± 1 mg/dl, EX: 108 ± 1 mg/dl), and time (0 min: 100 ± 2, 30 min: 118 ± 2, 60 min: 116 ± 2, 90 min: 111 ± 2, 120 min: 108 ± 2 mg/dl) in 2-h PPIG were detected, but no interaction was found (p > 0.05). However, only significant main effects of phase (NOEX: 14 ± 1 and EX:12 ± 1, p > 0.05) were found for 24-h blood glucose standard deviation. Older adults appear to have impaired glycemic control compared to young adults and exercise removal impairs glycemic control in both populations. Yet, the impairment in glycemic control with exercise removal is not different between old and young adults.
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Moosaie, F, Mohammadi, S, Saghazadeh, A, Dehghani Firouzabadi, F, Rezaei, N
PloS one. 2023;18(2):e0268816
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key molecule mainly involved in brain cell growth. It is also responsible for the survival of beta cells of the pancreas, which produce a hormone known as insulin, which is responsible for balancing blood sugar. Poor functioning beta cells can result in the development of diabetes. It is unclear as to whether high or low BDNF is present in individuals with diabetes. This meta-analysis and systematic review of 2734 individuals aimed to determine BDNF levels in individuals with diabetes, depression, and diabetic retinopathy. The results showed that serum BDNF levels were low in individuals with diabetes, however plasma levels remained unchanged. BDNF was lower in individuals with type 2 diabetes, diabetes mellitus, depression, and diabetic retinopathy. It was concluded that decreased BDNF may contribute to the development of diabetes and associated complications. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the close links between diabetes and brain disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic factor expressed in several tissues, including the brain, gut, and pancreas. Activation of the BDNF/TrkB/CREB reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis, induces hepatic insulin signal transduction, and protects against pancreatic beta-cell loss in diabetes mellitus (DM). Several studies have investigated the possible association between BDNF and DM and its complications, but the results have been conflicting. AIM: In the present study, we aimed at systematically reviewing the literature on the serum and plasma levels of BDNF in DM and its subgroups such as T2DM, DM patients with depression, and patients with retinopathy. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We identified 28 eligible studies and calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) of outcomes as an effect measure. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 2734 patients with DM and 6004 controls. Serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients with DM vs. controls (SMD = -1.00, P<0.001). Plasma BDNF levels were not different in patients with DM compared with controls. When conducting subgroup analysis, serum BDNF levels were lower among patients with T2DM (SMD = -1.26, P<0.001), DM and depression (SMD = -1.69, P<0.001), and patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) vs. controls (SMD = -1.03, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Serum BDNF levels were lower in patients with DM, T2DM, DM with depression, and DM and DR than the controls. Our findings are in line with the hypothesis that decreased BDNF levels might impair glucose metabolism and contribute to the pathogenesis of DM and its complications.
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Efficacy and safety of dietary polyphenol supplementation in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Yang, K, Chen, J, Zhang, T, Yuan, X, Ge, A, Wang, S, Xu, H, Zeng, L, Ge, J
Frontiers in immunology. 2022;13:949746
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver that can result in liver damage. NAFLD affects approximately 25% of the global population. There is evidence that dietary polyphenols can improve metabolism and insulin resistance and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are the mechanisms that lead to liver damage in NAFLD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of dietary polyphenols in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Eight dietary polyphenols, such as curcumin, resveratrol, naringenin, anthocyanin, hesperidin, catechin, silymarin, and genistein, were evaluated for their efficacy and safety. The administration of 80-3,000 mg of Curcumin for an 8-12 week duration is effective and safe for reducing body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Compared with the placebo, Naringenin reduced the percentage of NAFLD grade, TG, TC, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Hesperidin may potentially decrease body mass index (BMI), AST, ALT, TG, TC, and HOMA-IR. Catechin is safe, and 500-1000 mg supplementation for 12 weeks may reduce BMI, HOMA-IR, and TG. NAFLD patients who received silymarin showed improvements in ALT and AST, as well as reductions in hepatic fat accumulation and liver stiffness. 94–2100 mg of Silymarin supplementation for 8–48 weeks may reduce liver enzyme levels. Researchers can use the results of this study to understand the clinical utility of different polyphenol supplements in the treatment of NAFLD. Because the current evidence is highly heterogeneous in nature and limited in scope, further robust research is required on various classes of polyphenols and their effectiveness in reducing the severity of NAFLD.
Abstract
Background: Dietary polyphenol treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a novel direction, and the existing clinical studies have little effective evidence for its therapeutic effect, and some studies have inconsistent results. The effectiveness of dietary polyphenols in the treatment of NAFLD is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of oral dietary polyphenols in patients with NAFLD. Methods: The literature (both Chinese and English) published before 30 April 2022 in PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, CNKI, and other databases on the treatment of NAFLD with dietary polyphenols was searched. Manual screening, quality assessment, and data extraction of search results were conducted strictly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: The RCTs included in this study involved dietary supplementation with eight polyphenols (curcumin, resveratrol, naringenin, anthocyanin, hesperidin, catechin, silymarin, and genistein) and 2,173 participants. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 1) curcumin may decrease body mass index (BMI), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Triglycerides (TG) total cholesterol (TC), and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) compared to placebo; and curcumin does not increase the occurrence of adverse events. 2) Although the meta-analysis results of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not reveal significant positive changes, individual RCTs showed meaningful results. 3) Naringenin significantly decreased the percentage of NAFLD grade, TG, TC, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) but had no significant effect on AST and ALT, and it is a safe supplementation. 4) Only one team presents a protocol about anthocyanin (from Cornus mas L. fruit extract) in the treatment of NAFLD. 5) Hesperidin may decrease BMI, AST, ALT, TG, TC, HOMA-IR, and so on. 6) Catechin may decrease BMI, HOMA-IR, and TG level, and it was well tolerated by the patients. 7) Silymarin was effective in improving ALT and AST and reducing hepatic fat accumulation and liver stiffness in NAFLD patients. Conclusion: Based on current evidence, curcumin can reduce BMI, TG, TC, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance; catechin can reduce BMI, insulin resistance, and TG effectively; silymarin can reduce liver enzymes. For resveratrol, naringenin, anthocyanin, hesperidin, and catechin, more RCTs are needed to further evaluate their efficacy and safety.