Abstract

Psychological stress negatively affects the intestinal barrier function in animals and humans. We aimed to study the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 on intestinal permeability and stress-markers during public speech. Healthy students were randomized to L. rhamnosus-containing (test) or acidified (placebo) milk consumed twice daily for 4 weeks, with 46 subjects per treatment group. Small intestinal permeability was quantified by a 2 h urinary lactulose-mannitol ratio (LMR, primary outcome), fractional excretion of lactulose (FEL) and mannitol (FEM). Salivary cortisol, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Perceived Stress scores (PSS) were collected. No between-treatment differences were found for LMR (p = .71), FEL or FEM. Within-treatment analyses showed similar LMR and FEL but a stress-induced increase of FEM with the placebo (p < .05) but not test product. Despite a similar increase in salivary cortisol, the stress-induced increase in STAI was significantly lower with the test product vs. placebo (p = .01). Moreover, a stress-preventative effect of the probiotic was found for PSS and more pronounced in subjects with high stress-induced cortisol (p = .01). While increased FEM was mediated by salivary cortisol levels, the effect of the test product on subjective stress was not mediated by changes in FEM. No serious adverse events occurred. In conclusion, we demonstrated that L. rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 prevented stress-induced hyperpermeability to mannitol. Subjective but not objective stress-markers were reduced with L. rhamnosus vs. placebo, suggesting anxiolytic effects, which were independent of barrier stabilization and attractive for the reduction of stress in both health and disease. Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT03408691.

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.

Abstract

The close relationship between the intestine and the skin has been widely stated, seen from gastrointestinal (GI) disorders often accompanied by skin manifestations. Exactly how the gut microbiome is related to skin inflammation and influences the pathophysiology mechanism of skin disorders are still unclear. Many studies have shown a two-way relationship between gut and skin associated with GI health and skin homeostasis and allostasis. This systematic review aimed to explore the associations between the gut microbiome with inflammatory skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria, and to discover the advanced concept of this relationship. The literature search was limited to any articles published up to December 2020 using PubMed and EBSCOHost. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines for conducting a systematic review. Of the 319 articles screened based on title and abstract, 111 articles underwent full-text screening. Of these, 23 articles met our inclusion criteria, comprising 13 atopic dermatitis (AD), three psoriasis, four acne vulgaris, and four chronic urticaria articles. Acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic urticaria are inflammation skin disorders that were studied recently to ascertain the relationship of these disorders with dysbiosis of the GI microbiome. All acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and chronic urticaria studies stated the association of gut microbiome with skin manifestations. However, the results in atopic dermatitis are still conflicting. Most of the articles agree that Bifidobacterium plays an essential role as anti-inflammation bacteria, and Proteobacteria and Enterobacteria impact inflammation in inflammatory skin disorders.

Abstract

Cholesterol-derived bile acids (BAs) affect numerous physiological functions such as glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and absorption, intestinal inflammation and immunity, as well as intestinal microbiota diversity. Diet influences the composition of the BA pool. In the present study, we analyzed the impact of a dietary supplementation with a freeze-dried blueberry powder (BBP) on the fecal BA pool composition. The diet of 11 men and 13 women at risk of metabolic syndrome was supplemented with 50 g/day of BBP for 8 weeks, and feces were harvested before (pre) and after (post) BBP consumption. BAs were profiled using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. No significant changes in total BAs were detected when comparing pre- vs. post-BBP consumption samples. However, post-BBP consumption samples exhibited significant accumulations of glycine-conjugated BAs (p = 0.04), glycochenodeoxycholic (p = 0.01), and glycoursodeoxycholic (p = 0.01) acids, as well as a significant reduction (p = 0.03) in the secondary BA levels compared with pre-BBP feces. In conclusion, the fecal bileacidome is significantly altered after the consumption of BBP for 8 weeks. While additional studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and physiological implications of these changes, our data suggest that the consumption of blueberries can modulate toxic BA elimination.

Abstract

The dietary spice Curcuma longa L. (C. longa), also known as turmeric, has various biological effects. A hot water extract of C. longa was shown to have anti-inflammatory activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with the disruption of glucose homeostasis, but the effect of C. longa extract on glucose metabolism in humans is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of C. longa extracts on serum glucose levels in the presence of low-grade inflammation. We reanalyzed our published data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in overweight participants aged 50 to 69 years and performed a stratified analysis using the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). In both studies, participants took a test food with a hot water extract of C. longa (C. longa extract group, n = 45 per study) or without C. longa extract (placebo group, n = 45 per study) daily for 12 weeks, and we measured the levels of serum hsCRP and fasting serum glucose. The mean baseline hsCRP value was used to stratify participants into two subgroups: a low-hsCRP subgroup (baseline mean hsCRP < 0.098 mg/dL) and a high-hsCRP subgroup (baseline mean hsCRP ≥ 0.098 mg/dL). In the low-hsCRP subgroup, we found no significant difference in fasting serum glucose levels between the two groups in either study, but in the high-hsCRP subgroup, the C. longa extract group had significantly lower levels of serum hsCRP (p < 0.05) and fasting serum glucose (p < 0.05) than the placebo group in both studies. In conclusion, a hot water extract of C. longa may help to improve systemic glucose metabolism in people with chronic low-grade inflammation.

Abstract

Background: Modern pharmacological research found that the chemical components of Curcuma longa L. are mainly curcumin and turmeric volatile oil. Several recent randomized controlled trials (RCT) have shown that curcumin improves symptoms and inflammation in patients with arthritis. Methods: Pubmed, Cochran Library, CNKI, and other databases were searched to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Then, the risk of bias of RCTs were assessed and data of RCTs were extracted. Finally, RevMan 5.3 was utilized for meta-analysis. Results: Twenty-nine (29) RCTs involving 2396 participants and 5 types of arthritis were included. The arthritis included Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and gout/hyperuricemia. Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract were administered in doses ranging from 120 mg to 1500 mg for a duration of 4-36 weeks. In general, Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract showed safety in all studies and improved the severity of inflammation and pain levels in these arthritis patients. However, more RCTs are needed in the future to elucidate the effect of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract supplementation in patients with arthritis, including RA, OA, AS and JIA. Conclusion: Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract may improve symptoms and inflammation levels in people with arthritis. However, due to the low quality and small quantity of RCTs, the conclusions need to be interpreted carefully.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Stroke is a clinical syndrome of localized or global brain dysfunction caused by cerebrovascular disease. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of vitamin C acid stimulation on the rehabilitation process, Nourishment State Index and immune function indicators of stroke patients with dysphagia. DESIGN This is a prospective cohort study. SETTING This study was conducted at our hospital. POPULATION We analyzed stroke patients with dysphagia. METHODS A total of 120 stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly divided into a routine group and a test group, with 60 cases in each group. Routine swallowing training was performed in the routine group, and the test group was stimulated with vitamin C acid. The water swallow test (WST) and video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) were used to compare the rehabilitation of dysphagia in the two groups. Nourishment State Index was evaluated by BMI, serum albumin, total serum protein and hemoglobin. Immune Function Index was evaluated by IgA, IgM and IgG. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the WST level of patients treated with vitamin C acid stimulation intervention were significantly reduced, and the VFSS score were significantly increased. Serum levels of hemoglobin, albumin, total protein, IgA, IgM and IgG in the vitamin C acid stimulation group were remarkably increased than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin C acid stimulation exhibits a good application effect in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Moreover, vitamin C acid stimulation can further improve the nutritional status and immune function after stroke and promote postoperative recovery of patients. Therefore, we believe that vitamin C stimulation therapy can be widely used in stroke rehabilitation management. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT Vitamin C acid stimulation significantly improves rehabilitation of stroke patients with dysphagia and ameliorates the nutritional status and immune function of patients.

Abstract

PURPOSE Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency may increase the susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to determine the association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and susceptibility to COVID-19, its severity, mortality, and role of vitamin D in its treatment. METHODS We searched CINAHL, Cochrane library, EMBASE, PubMED, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 30, 2021, for observational studies on association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and susceptibility to COVID-19, severe disease, and death among adults, and, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vitamin D treatment against standard care or placebo, in improving severity or mortality among adults with COVID-19. Risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies and AUB-KQ1 Cochrane tool for RCTs. Study-level data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 and R (v4.1.0). Heterogeneity was determined by I2 and sources were explored through prespecified sensitivity analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions. RESULTS Of 1877 search results, 76 studies satisfying eligibility criteria were included. Seventy-two observational studies were included in the meta-analysis (n = 1 976 099). Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency increased the odds of developing COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 1.46; 95% CI, 1.28-1.65; P < 0.0001; I2 = 92%), severe disease (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.52-2.38; P < 0.0001; I2 = 81%), and death (OR 2.07; 95% CI, 1.28-3.35; P = 0.003; I2 = 73%). The 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were lower in individuals with COVID-19 compared with controls (mean difference [MD] -3.85 ng/mL; 95% CI, -5.44 to -2.26; P ≤ 0.0001), in patients with severe COVID-19 compared with controls with nonsevere COVID-19 (MD -4.84 ng/mL; 95% CI, -7.32 to -2.35; P = 0.0001) and in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (MD -4.80 ng/mL; 95% CI, -7.89 to -1.71; P = 0.002). The association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and death was insignificant when studies with high risk of bias or studies reporting unadjusted effect estimates were excluded. Risk of bias and heterogeneity were high across all analyses. Discrepancies in timing of vitamin D testing, definitions of severe COVID-19, and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency partly explained the heterogeneity. Four RCTs were widely heterogeneous precluding meta-analysis. CONCLUSION Multiple observational studies involving nearly 2 million adults suggest vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency increases susceptibility to COVID-19 and severe COVID-19, although with a high risk of bias and heterogeneity. Association with mortality was less robust. Heterogeneity in RCTs precluded their meta-analysis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND To collect the published trials of probiotics in the treatment of diarrhea and to strictly evaluate and systematically analyze the efficacy of probiotics use for the prevention and treatment of patients with diarrhea. METHODS We searched domestic and foreign literature published between January 2016 and July 2022 to find randomized control trials that used probiotics to treat diarrhea. Only studies published in English were considered. The quality of the included literatures was assessed by using the methods provided in the Cochrane Handbook. Valid data were extracted and analyzed by meta- analysis using the Software RevMan5.2. RESULTS Total 16 trials and 1585 patients were included. The results of the meta- analysis showed that in comparison with the simple Western medicine treatment group or placebo, the added use of probiotics could improve stool frequency, stool morphology, and related irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. CONCLUSION The added use of probiotics can further improve clinical outcomes in the patients with diarrhea; however, the implementation of larger and higher quality clinical trials is necessary to verify this conclusion.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dietary care on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in oncology patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of digestive symptoms was conducted in cancer patients admitted to our hospital, who received chemotherapy, and corresponding effective dietary care countermeasures were adopted. Results: After the nursing intervention, the incidence of digestive symptoms was significantly reduced, the quality of life was significantly improved (59.92 ± 6.57) vs. (37.95 ± 7.50), and the nursing satisfaction was significantly higher (91.67% vs. 69.44%), with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Meta-analysis showed that short-term (0 to 3 months) dietary care could alleviate nausea and vomiting symptoms in chemotherapy patients (P < 0.001) and improve the survival quality of oncology patients (P < 0.01). The effect of long-term (3-6 months) dietary care on the control of nausea and vomiting symptoms in chemotherapy patients was certain (P < 0.05), but the effect on the improvement of their quality of life (P > 0.05) was unclear. Conclusion: Dietary care can alleviate the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in tumor chemotherapy patients and improve the quality of life of short-term chemotherapy tumor patients, so it can be recommended to strengthen the dietary management for tumor patients receiving chemotherapy. Patients receiving chemotherapy should be given corresponding dietary nutritional care according to their clinical symptoms in order to alleviate their adverse reactions, enhance their own immunity, and improve the prognosis of cancer patients.