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1.
The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Oxidative Status and Lipid Profile in Migraine Patients: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Clinical Trial.
Dahri, M, Sarafan Sadeghi, A, Pahlavani, N, Nattagh-Eshtivani, E, Hashemilar, M, Asghari-Jafarabadi, M, Barghchi, H, Tarighat-Esfanjani, A
Clinical nutrition research. 2023;(4):257-268
Abstract
UNLABELLED Migraine is a common neurological disease correlated with oxidative stress and lipid profile disorders. The present study was designed to determine the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) supplementation on oxidative status and lipid profile in migraine individuals. This clinical trial was conducted on 84 females aged 18-50 years, diagnosed for episodic migraine according to the International Headache Society. Subjects were randomized to receive either Co-Q10 supplement (400 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured before and after intervention in both groups. Also, anthropometric indices, dietary intakes, and clinical features were collected. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. Seventy-seven of the participants, with mean age of 33.70 ± 7.75 years, completed the study. After 12-week intervention, Co-Q10 led to a significant decrease in MDA levels compared to placebo (p = 0.009), with no effect on TAC levels (p = 0.106). A significant increase in serum Co-Q10 concentration and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in Co-Q10 group was observed, but no significant differences were found in other lipid profile variables (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol). Among anthropometric variables, Co-Q10 only caused a significant reduction in body fat percentage (BFP), but we did not find any significant changes in others. A 12-week Co-Q10 supplementation led to significant improvement in clinical features, BFP, and HDL-C level among migraine individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT201508265670N10.
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The effects of Chlorella vulgaris on cardiovascular risk factors: A comprehensive review on putative molecular mechanisms.
Barghchi, H, Dehnavi, Z, Nattagh-Eshtivani, E, Alwaily, ER, Almulla, AF, Kareem, AK, Barati, M, Ranjbar, G, Mohammadzadeh, A, Rahimi, P, et al
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2023;:114624
Abstract
High incidence rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) make this condition as an important public health concern. The use of natural products in treating this chronic condition has increased in recent years one of which is the single-celled green alga Chlorella. Chlorella vulgaris (CV) has been studied for its potential benefits to human health due to its biological and pharmacological features. CV contains a variety of macro and micronutrients, including proteins, omega-3, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Some studies have indicated that taking CV as a dietary supplement can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In some studies, cardiovascular risk factors that are based on hematological indices did not show these benefits, and no molecular mechanisms have been identified. This comprehensive review summarized the research on the cardio-protective benefits of chlorella supplementation and the underlying molecular processes.
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The effect of Royal jelly on liver enzymes and glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Bahari, H, Taheri, S, Rashidmayvan, M, Jamshidi, S, Jazinaki, MS, Pahlavani, N
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2023;:102974
Abstract
BACKGROUND Royal jelly (RJ) may contribute to glycemic control and liver function through various mechanisms. The present study aimed to quantify the effect of RJ supplementation on these outcomes. METHODS A literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/Medline, was conducted for RCTs investigating the efficacy of RJ on plasma liver enzymes and glycemic indices. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for net changes using a random-effects model. RESULTS Ten RCTs were selected for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Combined estimate of effect sizes for the impact of RJ on neither the plasma liver enzymes nor the glycemic indices were statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction of serum FPG in trials with intervention duration ≥ 8 weeks (WMD: -4.28 mg/dl, 95% CI -7.41 to -1.14 mg/dl, p = 0.007), and those conducted in non-healthy populations (WMD: -4.28 mg/dl, 95% CI -7.41 to -1.14, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION RJ does not significantly affect liver function and glycemic profile of adult population. In trials with longer intervention and those conducted in non-healthy populations a significant reduction of serum FBG was observed. This meta-analysis should be repeated in the future, with more primary articles included, in order to provide conclusive results.
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4.
The effects of cinnamon supplementation on adipokines and appetite-regulating hormones: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
Gheflati, A, Pahlavani, N, Nattagh-Eshtivani, E, Namkhah, Z, Ghazvinikor, M, Ranjbar, G, Shahraki Jazinaki, M, Norouzy, A
Avicenna journal of phytomedicine. 2023;(5):463-474
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cinnamon is extracted from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. Recent studies have indicated that cinnamon is a safe and cost-effective treatment for improving body weight, lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and blood pressure. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effect of cinnamon supplementation on adipokines and appetite-regulating hormones. MATERIALS AND METHODS This comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to March 2022 without any limitation. The quality of eligible studies was evaluated through the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias. RESULTS This systematic review included six clinical trial studies (363 participants), among which, only one study was performed on children, and two investigations were conducted on obese participants. A decreasing effect was found in the level of leptin and visfatin after cinnamon supplementation. Two out of three studies examined adiponectin levels and revealed non-significant effects of cinnamon consumption on this parameter. Two studies evaluated ghrelin levels and found an increase after cinnamon supplementation. The result of cinnamon supplementation on other biomarkers such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide 1, and resistin was inconsistent. CONCLUSION The result of this systematic review indicated the increasing effect of cinnamon supplementation on ghrelin levels and decreasing effect on leptin and visfatin levels. However, more clinical data are required to clarify the beneficial effects of cinnamon on adipokines levels due to the controversial findings of the studies.
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The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic markers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
Zamani, M, Pahlavani, N, Nikbaf-Shandiz, M, Rasaei, N, Ghaffarian-Ensaf, R, Asbaghi, O, Shiraseb, F, Rastgoo, S
Frontiers in nutrition. 2022;:1082097
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are concerns today worldwide. Recently, L-carnitine supplementation has been suggested as an effective adjunctive therapy in glycemic control. Therefore, it seems important to investigate its effect on glycemic markers. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane databases were searched in October 2022 for prospective studies on the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic markers. Inclusion criteria included adult participants and taking oral L-carnitine supplements for at least seven days. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS We included the 41 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 2900) with 44 effect sizes in this study. In the pooled analysis; L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) (mg/dl) [WMD = -3.22 mg/dl; 95% CI, -5.21 to -1.23; p = 0.002; I 2 = 88.6%, p < 0.001], hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (%) [WMD = -0.27%; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.07; p = 0.007; I 2 = 90.1%, p < 0.001] and homeostasis model assessment-estimate insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [WMD = -0.73; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.25; p = 0.003; I 2 = 98.2%, p < 0.001] in the intervention compared to the control group. L-carnitine supplementation had a reducing effect on baseline FBG ≥100 mg/dl, trial duration ≥12 weeks, intervention dose ≥2 g/day, participants with overweight and obesity (baseline BMI 25-29.9 and >30 kg/m2), and diabetic patients. Also, L-carnitine significantly affected insulin (pmol/l), HOMA-IR (%), and HbA1c (%) in trial duration ≥12 weeks, intervention dose ≥2 g/day, and participants with obesity (baseline BMI >30 kg/m2). It also had a reducing effect on HOMA-IR in diabetic patients, non-diabetic patients, and just diabetic patients for insulin, and HbA1c. There was a significant nonlinear relationship between the duration of intervention and changes in FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. In addition, there was a significant nonlinear relationship between dose (≥2 g/day) and changes in insulin, as well as a significant linear relationship between the duration (weeks) (coefficients = -16.45, p = 0.004) of intervention and changes in HbA1C. CONCLUSIONS L-carnitine could reduce the levels of FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022358692.
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Does propolis have any effect on rheumatoid arthritis? A review study.
Nattagh-Eshtivani, E, Pahlavani, N, Ranjbar, G, Gholizadeh Navashenaq, J, Salehi-Sahlabadi, A, Mahmudiono, T, Nader Shalaby, M, Jokar, M, Nematy, M, Barghchi, H, et al
Food science & nutrition. 2022;(4):1003-1020
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in its pathophysiology. Complementary therapies along with medications may be effective in the control of RA. Propolis is a natural substance extracted from beehives, which have confirmed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to review the possible effects of propolis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in patients with RA. English articles in online databases such as PubMed‑Medline, AMED, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Pieces of evidence show that supplementation with propolis may have therapeutic effects on RA patients. Due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the affected joints of RA patients, propolis could inhibit the inflammatory cascades by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and reducing reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-17 by increasing some antioxidants. Therefore, inflammation and pain reduce, helping improve and control RA in patients. Further investigations are required with larger sample sizes and different doses of propolis to demonstrate the definite effects of propolis on various aspects of RA.
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The effect of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation on the immune system and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
Firouzi, S, Pahlavani, N, Navashenaq, JG, Clayton, ZS, Beigmohammadi, MT, Malekahmadi, M
Clinical nutrition open science. 2022;:144-154
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2) is the most dangerous form of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. In patients with severe COVID-19, the immune system becomes markedly overactive. There is evidence that supplementation with select micronutrients may play a role in maintaining immune system function in this patient population. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, significant emphasis has been placed on the importance of supplementing critical micronutrients such as Vitamin C and Zinc (Zn) due to their immunomodulatory effects. Viral infections, like COVID-19, increase physiological demand for these micronutrients. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide comprehensive information regarding the potential effectiveness of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation during viral infection and specifically COVID-19. This review demonstrated a relation between Vitamin C and Zn deficiency and a reduction in the innate immune response, which can ultimately make patients with COVID-19 more vulnerable to viral infection. As such, adequate intake of Vitamin C and Zn, as an adjunctive therapeutic approach with any necessary pharmacological treatment(s), may be necessary to mitigate the adverse physiological effects of COVID-19. To truly clarify the role of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation in the management of COVID-19, we must wait for the results of ongoing randomized controlled trials. The toxicity of Vitamin C and Zn should also be considered to prevent over-supplementation. Over-supplementation of Vitamin C can lead to oxalate toxicity, while increased Zn intake can reduce immune system function. In summary, Vitamin C and Zn supplementation may be useful in mitigating COVID-19 symptomology.
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Correction to: The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial.
Hemamy, M, Pahlavani, N, Amanollahi, A, Islam, SMS, McVicar, J, Askari, G, Malekahmadi, M
BMC pediatrics. 2021;(1):230
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Nigella sativa in controlling Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, and rheumatoid arthritis diseases: Molecular aspects.
Hadi, V, Pahlavani, N, Malekahmadi, M, Nattagh-Eshtivani, E, Navashenaq, JG, Hadi, S, Ferns, GA, Ghayour-Mobarhan, M, Askari, G, Norouzy, A
Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 2021;:20
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Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important factor in the etiology of several chronic diseases that include cardiovascular disease (CVD), Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oxidative stress can lead to inflammation, and this can contribute to these chronic diseases. Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress may, therefore, be useful in the prevention and treatment of these conditions. One of the treatment options for chronic diseases is the use of traditional medicine and herbs, such as Nigella sativa. This is one of the herbs that have recently been assessed for its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. We have reviewed the reported effects of N. sativa on risk factors of chronic diseases (CVD, DM, and RA) with emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms in controlling inflammation and oxidative stress. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the beneficial properties of N. sativa, including a reduction of lipid peroxidation via its antioxidant properties; agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in adipose tissue; activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, increased antioxidants, inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B pathway; increased in interleukin-10 expression, CD4+ T-cell percentage, T regulatory cell percentage (CD4+ CD25+ T-cell) in peripheral blood, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio, but to prove this claim, it is necessary to conduct experimental and well-designed clinical trial studies with a larger sample size on the effects of N. sativa on these chronic diseases.
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A comprehensive review of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Shabgah, AG, Norouzi, F, Hedayati-Moghadam, M, Soleimani, D, Pahlavani, N, Navashenaq, JG
Nutrition & metabolism. 2021;(1):22
Abstract
One of the most prevalent diseases worldwide without a fully-known mechanism is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant regulatory molecules. These RNAs have been claimed by bioinformatic research that is involved in biologic processes, including cell cycle, transcription factor regulation, fatty acids metabolism, and-so-forth. There is a body of evidence that lncRNAs have a pivotal role in triglyceride, cholesterol, and lipoprotein metabolism. Moreover, lncRNAs by up- or down-regulation of the downstream molecules in fatty acid metabolism may determine the fatty acid deposition in the liver. Therefore, lncRNAs have attracted considerable interest in NAFLD pathology and research. In this review, we provide all of the lncRNAs and their possible mechanisms which have been introduced up to now. It is hoped that this study would provide deep insight into the role of lncRNAs in NAFLD to recognize the better molecular targets for therapy.