-
1.
Effect of probiotics or prebiotics on thyroid function: A meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials.
Shu, Q, Kang, C, Li, J, Hou, Z, Xiong, M, Wang, X, Peng, H
PloS one. 2024;19(1):e0296733
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The gut microbiome is thought to play a role in thyroid disorders, mediated by regulating iodine uptake, degradation and enterohepatic cycling of thyroid hormones, and differences in microbiome composition between patients with thyroid disorders and healthy individuals have been observed. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of pro-, pre- and synbiotics on thyroid function (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb)) in patients with and without thyroid disorders. 8 randomised controlled trials including 367 participants were included in the review and meta-analysis. Neither pro-, pre- nor synbiotics had a significant effect on TSH, fT4 or fT3 but pre- and probiotics lead to a significant reduction in TRAb in patients with Graves’ disease.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbiome-directed therapies are increasingly utilized to optimize thyroid function in both healthy individuals and those with thyroid disorders. However, recent doubts have been raised regarding the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in improving thyroid function. This systematic review aimed to investigate the potential relationship between probiotics/prebiotics and thyroid function by analyzing the impact on thyroid hormone levels. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) levels. We searched for articles from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up until April 1st, 2023, without any language restriction. Quantitative data analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval as summary statistics. The methods and results were reported according to the PRISMA2020 statement. RESULTS A total of eight articles were included in this review. The meta-analysis showed no significant alterations in TSH (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.21, 0.20, P = 0.93; I2: 0.00%), fT4 (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: -0.29, 0.21, P = 0.73; I2: 0.00%) or fT3 (SMD: 0.45, 95% CI: -0.14, 1.03, P = 0.43; I2: 78.00%), while a significant reduction in TRAb levels was observed (SMD: -0.85, 95% CI: -1.54, -0.15, P = 0.02; I2: 18.00%) following probiotics/prebiotics supplementation. No indication of publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS Probiotics/prebiotics supplementation does not influence thyroid hormone levels, but may modestly reduce TRAb levels in patients with Graves' disease.
-
2.
Consumption of Extruded Sorghum SC319 Improved Gut Microbiota at Genus Level and Reduced Anthropometric Markers in Men with Overweight: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Lúcio, H, Anunciação, P, da Silva, B, da Silva, A, Queiroz, V, de Carvalho, C, Pinheiro-Sant'Ana, H, Martino, H
Nutrients. 2023;15(17)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Obesity is frequently associated with the dysregulation of lipid, glucose, and cholesterol metabolism, in addition to increased oxidative stress and the establishment of low-grade chronic inflammation, which are risk factors for developing non-communicable chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the consumption of extruded SC319 whole sorghum or extruded whole wheat associated with an 8-week daily 500 kcal energy restriction diet on the modulation of intestinal health with a focus on gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acid production, faecal pH, and weight loss and inflammation markers. This study was an 8-week, single-blind, controlled, randomised nutritional intervention study conducted in 21 men with overweight. The participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive extruded SC319 whole sorghum or extruded whole wheat. Results showed that consuming SC319 extruded sorghum along with an energy restricted diet achieved greater weight loss and reduced body fat percentage in Brazilian men with overweight compared to the wheat group, with no differences in SCFA synthesis, faecal pH, alpha and beta-diversity, and inflammatory markers. Sorghum consumption promoted alternations in intestinal microbiome composition at the genus level, probably due to the presence of resistant starch and polyphenolic compounds. Authors conclude that sorghum consumption improved weight loss, decreased anthropometric measures, and acted as a prebiotic, thereby changing intestinal microbiome composition.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorghum is a cereal source of energy, carbohydrates, resistant starch, proanthocyanidins, and 3-deoxyanthocyanins; it promotes satiety by slowing digestion and benefits intestinal health. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of extruded sorghum SC319 consumption on intestinal health, weight loss, and inflammatory markers in men with overweight. METHODS This was a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Twenty-one men were randomly allocated into one of two groups: the sorghum group (test), which received 40 g of extruded SC319 whole sorghum (n = 10), or the wheat group (control), which received 38 g of extruded whole wheat (n = 11) for eight weeks. RESULTS The sorghum consumption increased the weight loss intragroup, decreased the body fat percentage intergroup, and did not change inflammatory markers, while the wheat group had increased IL-6 levels compared to baseline. Short-chain fatty acid production, fecal pH, and α and β diversity indexes did not differ intra- and intergroup after interventions. However, sorghum consumption decreased genus levels of Clostridium_sensu_stricto 1, Dorea, and Odoribacter and increased CAG-873 and Turicibacter compared to baseline. Further, sorghum showed a tendency (p = 0.07) to decrease the proteobacteria phyla compared to wheat. CONCLUSION Extruded sorghum SC319 improved intestinal microbiota and body composition and promoted weight loss, demonstrating its prebiotic potential.
-
3.
The Impact of Synbiotic Treatment on the Levels of Gut-Derived Uremic Toxins, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiome of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients-A Randomized Trial.
Mitrović, M, Stanković-Popović, V, Tolinački, M, Golić, N, Soković Bajić, S, Veljović, K, Nastasijević, B, Soldatović, I, Svorcan, P, Dimković, N
Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation. 2023;33(2):278-288
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The gut microbiome consists of more than 100 trillion bacteria and plays an important role in normal body functioning. There is increasing evidence that gut microbiome alteration can affect multiple organ systems and also lead to numerous chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of synbiotic treatment in reducing the levels of gut-derived uremic toxins and serum inflammatory markers and its impact on gut microbiome, with controlled factors such as diet and antibiotic usage. This study was a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After a 2-week run-in period under prescribed diet, patients were randomised into 2 groups, one receiving synbiotic therapy and the other receiving placebo. Results showed that in comparison to placebo: - synbiotic treatment significantly altered levels of indoxyl sulfate [uremic toxin] and p-cresyl sulfate [uremic toxin] in the intervention arm, and - only the dynamic of total serum indoxyl sulfate was significant. Authors conclude that synbiotics are a safe and an effective therapeutic strategy that may help to decrease levels of uremic toxins and microinflammation in chronic kidney disease patients.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Altering dysbiotic gut flora through synbiotic supplementation has recently been recognized as a potential treatment strategy to reduce the levels of gut-derived uremic toxins and decrease inflammation. Assessing its efficacy and safety has been the main goal of our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. METHODS A total of 34 nondialyzed chronic kidney disease patients, aged ≥18 years, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate between 15 and 45 mL/minute, were randomized either to an intervention group (n = 17), receiving synbiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium lactis, 32 billion colony forming units per day plus 3.2 g of inulin), or control group (n = 17), receiving placebo during 12 weeks. The impact of treatment on the dynamic of serum levels of gut-derived uremic toxins, total serum indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, and trimethylamine N-oxide, was defined as the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes included changes in the stool microbiome, serum interleukin-6 levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, diet, gastrointestinal symptom dynamics, and safety. Serum levels of uremic toxins were determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography. The stool microbiome analysis was performed using the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing approach. RESULTS Synbiotic treatment significantly modified gut microbiome with Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, and Subdoligranulum genera enrichment and consequently reduced serum level of indoxyl sulfate (ΔIS -21.5% vs. 5.3%, P < .001), improved estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR 12% vs. 8%, P = .029), and decreased level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-39.5 vs. -8.5%, P < .001) in treated patients. Two patients of the intervention arm complained of increased flatulence. No other safety issues were noted. CONCLUSION Synbiotics could be available, safe, and an effective therapeutic strategy we could use in daily practice in order to decrease levels of uremic toxins and microinflammation in chronic kidney disease patients.
-
4.
Evaluation of Lactocare® Synbiotic Administration on the Serum Electrolytes and Trace Elements Levels in Psoriasis Patients: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Study.
Akbarzadeh, A, Taheri, M, Ebrahimi, B, Alirezaei, P, Doosti-Irani, A, Soleimani, M, Nouri, F
Biological trace element research. 2022;200(10):4230-4237
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by plaques and lesions on the skin. While the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis is not completely understood, various mechanisms have been implicated, including changes in the composition of intestinal microbes, oxidative stress and changes in the levels of certain trace elements. Previous research has shown that fluctuations in trace minerals such as zinc and copper may contribute to the progression and progression of psoriasis. It is known that synbiotics, which are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics, have immune-modulating properties, and they may also enhance the absorption of trace minerals from food when consumed. This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to randomly assign sixty-four patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis to consume Lactocare, a symbiotic containing seven strains of probiotic bacteria and prebiotic fructooligosaccharide twice daily or a placebo for 12 weeks. Serum trace mineral levels were measured after 12 weeks of treatment, including Fe, K, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Na, and Cu. A significant improvement in serum levels of zinc and calcium was observed in the symbiotic group after 12 weeks of treatment. Additionally, the symbiotic treatment significantly increased the levels of trace minerals such as Fe, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, and Na within the group compared to the baseline. Fe and Cu levels in the treatment group were affected by sex, with male participants showing significant differences. To evaluate the other benefits of symbiotic preparations in patients with psoriasis, further large-scale studies are required. Healthcare professionals can utilise the research to understand the immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties of symbiotic formulations such as Lactocare, as well as to understand how the consumption of Lactocare improves the absorption of trace minerals.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the exact etiopathogenesis of psoriasis remains unknown, the increasing or decreasing of some trace elements and oxidative stress status are considered to play a role. In this study, the effect of Lactocare® synbiotic on the serum levels of trace elements including Zn, Cu, Mg, Na, Fe, P, Ca, and K in the patients with mild to moderate psoriasis was investigated. METHODS Sixty-four patients with mild to moderate psoriasis were included. Patients were randomly divided into treatment (n═32) and control (n═32) groups. The treatment group received Lactocare® and the control group received a placebo (two times daily for 12 weeks). Eight patients from the intervention group and 18 patients from the control group discontinued the study because of the recent COVID-19 condition. For routine trace element analysis, the blood samples were collected from all patients at the baseline as well as week 12 post-treatment. The serum was then isolated and the serum levels of trace elements including Fe, K, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Na, and Cu were measured using an automatic electrolyte analyzer. For confirmation of the effect of Lactocare® on the alteration of serum levels of trace elements, intra-group analysis was performed at two interval times: baseline and week 12 post-treatment. RESULTS The serum levels of K, P, and Ca in the placebo group were significantly higher than that of the treatment group at baseline. Serum levels of Zn and Ca were significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the placebo group at week 12 post-treatment. Moreover, a significantly lower serum level of K, P, and Ca in the treatment group at the baseline compared to the placebo group was compensated on week 12 post-treatment. Intra-group analysis in the treatment group showed that the serum levels of Fe, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, and Na was significantly increased at week 12 post-treatment compared to baseline levels. Whereas, intra-group analysis in the control group showed only Ca has a significant difference between baseline and week 12 post-treatment. CONCLUSION The serum levels of Fe, Zn, P, Mg, Ca, and Na are increased significantly 12 weeks after oral administration of Lactocare® in psoriatic patients. The serum level of Fe and Cu is affected by sex at pre- and post-treatment. This study supports the concept that Lactocare® exerts beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal tract to improve mineral absorption in psoriatic patients.
-
5.
Polyphenol Intake in Pregnant Women on Gestational Diabetes Risk and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: A Systematic Review.
Salinas-Roca, B, Rubió-Piqué, L, Montull-López, A
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
In Europe, gestational diabetes affects approximately 10.9% of pregnant women. According to previous research, the cardiometabolic health of the mother and the mother's dietary habits during pregnancy may affect the foetus' neurodevelopment. Taking polyphenol supplements and eating foods rich in polyphenols is beneficial for promoting health across generations. In this systematic review, fourteen studies were included in order to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on gestational diabetes and mental health in the offspring. A higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental diseases in offspring is associated with gestational diabetes. The results of this systematic review revealed that polyphenol intake during pregnancy might have a beneficial effect on improving cardiometabolic health, reducing inflammation, DNA methylation and oxidative stress, thus reducing the risk of developing fetal neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorders. There is a need for further robust research, as the existing evidence regarding the safety of long-term polyphenol supplementation and its effects on gestational diabetes and fetal neurodevelopment is very limited. In spite of this, healthcare professionals can use the findings of this systematic review to learn more about the positive health benefits of polyphenols in pregnant women.
Abstract
The intake of foods containing polyphenols can have a protective role to avoid comorbidities during pregnancy and, at the same time, promote transgenerational health. This review aims to describe the effect of polyphenol intake through supplements or polyphenol-rich foods during pregnancy on the incidence and evolution of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as the link with the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Using PRISMA procedures, a systematic review was conducted by searching in biomedical databases (PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus) from January to June 2022. Full articles were screened (n = 419) and critically appraised. Fourteen studies were selected and were divided into two different thematic blocks considering (i) the effect of polyphenols in GDM and (ii) the effect of GDM to mental disorders in the offspring. A positive relationship was observed between the intake of polyphenols and the prevention and control of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, such as GDM, which could be related to thwarted inflammatory and oxidative processes, as well as neuronal factors. GDM is related to a greater risk of suffering from diseases related to neurodevelopment, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorder. Further clinical research on the molecule protective mechanism of polyphenols on pregnant women is required to understand the transgenerational impact on fetal neurodevelopment.
-
6.
Impact of wheat aleurone on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, gut microbiota and metabolites in adults with high body mass index: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.
Fava, F, Ulaszewska, MM, Scholz, M, Stanstrup, J, Nissen, L, Mattivi, F, Vermeiren, J, Bosscher, D, Pedrolli, C, Tuohy, KM
European journal of nutrition. 2022;61(5):2651-2671
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Cross-sectional studies have shown that whole grain cereal consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD, as well as reduce systemic inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diet associated diseases. Aleurone is a wheat grain fraction composed of a single cell layer that constitutes the outermost portion of the endosperm and contains many of the beneficial substances. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aleurone consumption on plasma homocysteine concentrations in overweight/ obese subjects. Secondary aim was to measure the impact of chronic aleurone supplementation on markers of CVD risk and on the human gut microbiota and its metabolic output. This study is a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind parallel trial with 2 test foods, wheat aleurone-rich foods or placebo foods (cellulose). Participants (n=74) were randomised to receive the active supplementation (aleurone 27 g per day) or placebo for 4 consecutive weeks. Results show that although average plasma homocysteine levels decreased upon wheat aleurone supplementation treatment, this change was not statistically significant, and homocysteine levels did not differ between groups after intervention. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in bifidobacteria both over time and compared to the placebo. Several significant and useful biomarkers of wheat aleurone intake, all related to wheat polyphenol metabolism by the gut microbiota, were identified. Authors conclude that wheat aleurone supplementation has the potential to modulate the gut microbial metabolic output and increase faecal bifidobacterial abundance, but it does not impact plasma homocysteine or other CVD biomarkers.
Abstract
PURPOSE Aleurone is a cereal bran fraction containing a variety of beneficial nutrients including polyphenols, fibers, minerals and vitamins. Animal and human studies support the beneficial role of aleurone consumption in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Gut microbiota fiber fermentation, polyphenol metabolism and betaine/choline metabolism may in part contribute to the physiological effects of aleurone. As primary objective, this study evaluated whether wheat aleurone supplemented foods could modify plasma homocysteine. Secondary objectives included changes in CVD biomarkers, fecal microbiota composition and plasma/urine metabolite profiles. METHODS A parallel double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized trial was carried out in two groups of obese/overweight subjects, matched for age, BMI and gender, consuming foods supplemented with either aleurone (27 g/day) (AL, n = 34) or cellulose (placebo treatment, PL, n = 33) for 4 weeks. RESULTS No significant changes in plasma homocysteine or other clinical markers were observed with either treatment. Dietary fiber intake increased after AL and PL, animal protein intake increased after PL treatment. We observed a significant increase in fecal Bifidobacterium spp with AL and Lactobacillus spp with both AL and PL, but overall fecal microbiota community structure changed little according to 16S rRNA metataxonomics. Metabolomics implicated microbial metabolism of aleurone polyphenols and revealed distinctive biomarkers of AL treatment, including alkylresorcinol, cinnamic, benzoic and ferulic acids, folic acid, fatty acids, benzoxazinoid and roasted aroma related metabolites. Correlation analysis highlighted bacterial genera potentially linked to urinary compounds derived from aleurone metabolism and clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS Aleurone has potential to modulate the gut microbial metabolic output and increase fecal bifidobacterial abundance. However, in this study, aleurone did not impact on plasma homocysteine or other CVD biomarkers. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02067026) on the 17th February 2014.