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We, the Editor and Publisher of the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology have retracted the following article:Mehrdad Amini, Fereshteh Bahmani, Fatemeh Foroozanfard, Zahra Vahedpoor, Amir Ghaderi, Mohsen Taghizadeh, Hassan Karbassizadeh & Zatollah Asemi (2018), The effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on mental health parameters and metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology , DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2018.1508282.Following publication, significant concerns were raised by a third party 1 about the integrity of the data and the reported findings in the article.When approached for an explanation, the authors and their institution have been cooperative in providing some responses and documents. To verify the reported findings, the article and the documents provided by the authors were further evaluated by the journal editorial team, and also sent for review by an external statistical reviewer.Both the journal editorial team and the external statistical reviewer were unable to confirm the integrity of the trial design and the main outcome of the external review was that the article's results and conclusions are unreliable. Therefore, as the editorial team no longer have confidence in the reported conclusions the decision has been made to retract the article.The authors listed in the publication have been informed. The authors do not agree with the retraction.We have been informed in our decision-making by our editorial policies and the COPE guidelines.The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as 'Retracted'.

Background: This study aimed to examine the current use of mobile phones by pregnant women and their attitudes towards the use of a variety of prenatal care services through mHealth., Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in 2021. The study population included 168 pregnant women who referred to specialist obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that included the demographics of the participants, their current mobile phone usage, and their attitudes toward mobile phone use for prenatal care services. The data were analyzed in SPSS with descriptive and analytical statistics., Results: The majority of participants (84.2%) had a smartphone and access to mobile internet. More than half of the respondents (58.9%) used their mobile phone for (only) phone calls, and 36.7% occasionally used mobile internet to access prenatal care services. To get information about the pregnancy and to communicate with other pregnant women, the participants mainly used social media, and to get reminders, they preferred phone calls., Conclusions: In this study, pregnant women have a positive attitude towards using mobile phones for obtaining health services and prefer social media to seek prenatal care services. There seems to be a need for pregnant women to have high levels of digital health literacy and be advised by healthcare providers on using this technology to access prenatal care services., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background and Objective: Inconsistent evidence showed that folate supplementation may be associated with reduced risk of cancer due to improved metabolic profiles and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of this investigation was to quantify the effects of folate supplementation on the recurrence and other metabolic factors of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (CIN2/3)., Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 60 overweight/obese women with CIN2/3. Definitive CIN2/3 confirmation was done via biopsy, pathological diagnosis, as well as colposcopy. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group to take 5 mg/day folate supplements or placebo group (n = 30 in each group) for 12 weeks., Results: The results of the current study showed a non-significant decrease in recurrence of CIN2/3 in the folate group in comparison with the placebo group (3.3% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.08). Compared with the placebo, folate supplementation significantly decreased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels (P < 0.001), serum insulin values (in the crude model) (P = 0.01), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.01). Also, folate supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (P = 0.002) and total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.04) and a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.015) in comparison with the placebo group., Conclusions: In conclusion, folate supplementation for 12 weeks among overweight/obese women with CIN2/3 showed a non-significant decrease in its recurrence and had beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Purpose: This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between serum folate level and folic acid supplements with glycemic control parameters (fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin level, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)) in adult individuals with current studies., Methods: In this study, which was designed as a systematic review, the searches were performed on Web of Science, Science Direct, Medline, Wiley, and Cochrane Library databases between April 10, 2023, and May 10, 2023, and the searches were updated between October 16, 2023, and November 14, 2023. Of the 1855 studies obtained from the screening, 17 met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. The PROSPERO system registered the study protocol (ID: CRD42023472434)., Recent Findings: Although no significant correlation was found between serum folate levels and glycemic control parameters in most of the cross-sectional studies included in this systematic review, most of the randomized controlled trials showed that glycemic control parameters (FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR) decreased significantly in the intervention group receiving folic acid supplementation compared to the control group. However, study durations were short, and HbA1c needed to be evaluated in most studies. This makes it difficult to get information about the long-term effects of folic acid supplementation. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to draw more precise conclusions about the relationship between folic acid levels and folic acid supplementation with glycemic control parameters., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background & Objective: The endometriosis treatment was critical due to complications associated with current drug delivery system. The present study was conducted with aim to compare the curative effect of Vitamin D3 (VTD3) and Omega-3 (OG3) with Diphereline during the treatment of endometriosis. Materials & Methods: In this study, endometriosis was induced in different groups containing 60 adult female rats. The rat model was categorized into 6 groups untreated and treated (Olive Oil (solvent), VTD3 (42 mcg/kg/day), OG3 (450 mg/kg/day), VTD3+OG3, Diphereline (3 mg/kg/day)). The suspension containing combination of Diphereline and supplements was injected and treated for 4 weeks to analyze the effect of supplements. The interleukin -6 (IL-6) and Tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNFa) inflammatory responses were measured from the serum samples while endometrial implants was dissected and histopathological investigation was done. Results: At the end of four weeks, pathologic score decreased significantly with simultaneous measurement of inflammation score of endometriotic lesion, size of implant area, IL-6, TNFa response and compared with untreated female rat. No significant different was observed in groups undergoing treatment of VTD3, OG3 and Diphereline. The combined effect of VTD3+OG3 has similar responses with Diphereline treated endometrial implants. Conclusion: treatment of VTD3 deficiency and making a change in dietary habits of high-risk population for endometriosis from adolescence may also play a preventative role in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that impacts women of reproductive age. In addition to reproductive and psychological complications, women with PCOS are also at a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While weight reduction can help manage these complications in overweight or obese women, many weight loss interventions have been ineffective due to weight stigma and its psychological impact on women with PCOS. Therefore, exploring alternative dietary strategies which do not focus on weight loss per se is of importance. In this regard, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of marine origin (n-3 PUFAs), which are known for their hypotriglyceridemic, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, have emerged as a potential therapy for prevention and reversal of metabolic complications in PCOS. Several clinical trials showed that n-3 PUFAs can improve components of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS. In this review, we first summarize the available clinical evidence for different dietary patterns in improving PCOS complications. Next, we summarize the clinical evidence for n-3 PUFAs for alleviating metabolic complications in PCOS. Finally, we explore the mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs improve the metabolic disorders in PCOS in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) represents a frequent and cumbersome vaginal infection. Recurrent and/or persistent infections remain common among a significant number of patients despite the use of antifungals. Probiotics offer a promising adjunctive or alternative therapeutic strategy to antifungals in the management of VVC. We aimed to explore and thoroughly examine the various roles and potential applications of probiotics in VVC. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant clinical trials and systematic reviews that examine the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of VVC and recurrent VVC (rVVC). Following the initial screening of 4563 articles, a total of 25 clinical studies and seven systematic reviews were finally included in this analysis. The studies reviewed provide a generally positive yet inconsistent view of the efficacy of probiotics in managing VVC, including clinical, mycological response, and prevention perspectives. Nonetheless, fluconazole remains more effective than probiotics in treating VVC, while the combination of the two seems to reduce recurrence and improve symptoms significantly. For prevention, probiotics seem to improve vaginal health and reduce symptoms, while safety and tolerability are consistently reported across the studies, affirming that probiotics represent a low-risk intervention. However, clear conclusions are difficult to establish since relative studies explore different clinical endpoints and follow-up times, variable populations are included, different probiotics are used, and diverse schedules and regimens are administered. We propose that future studies should study the benefit of probiotics in well-defined categories such as (1) treatment with acute probiotics instead of antifungals, (2) adjuvant probiotic therapy together or after antifungals, and (3) VVC recurrence prevention using probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular metabolism is crucial for various physiological processes, with folate-dependent one-carbon (1C) metabolism playing a pivotal role. Folate, a B vitamin, is a key cofactor in this pathway, supporting DNA synthesis, methylation processes, and antioxidant defenses. In dividing cells, folate facilitates nucleotide biosynthesis, ensuring genomic stability and preventing carcinogenesis. Additionally, in neurodevelopment, folate is essential for neural tube closure and central nervous system formation. Thus, dysregulation of folate metabolism can contribute to pathologies such as cancer, severe birth defects, and neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological evidence highlights folate's impact on disease risk and its potential as a therapeutic target. In cancer, antifolate drugs that inhibit key enzymes of folate-dependent 1C metabolism and strategies targeting folate receptors are current therapeutic options. However, folate's impact on cancer risk is complex, varying among cancer types and dietary contexts. In neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, folate deficiency exacerbates cognitive decline through elevated homocysteine levels, contributing to neuronal damage. Clinical trials of folic acid supplementation show mixed outcomes, underscoring the complexities of its neuroprotective effects. This review integrates current knowledge on folate metabolism in cancer and neurodegeneration, exploring molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic strategies, which can provide crucial information for advancing treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes (GD) can threaten the health of both the mother and the foetus if it is not effectively managed. While there exists a growing body of research on self-management interventions for GD, there is a lack of reviewed studies regarding the various self-management interventions in Africa. The purpose of this review is to map the evidence of self-management interventions for GD in Africa. Methods: Searches for records were conducted in four major databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct and Journal Storage. Additional documents from Google and Google Scholar were also added. The guidelines for conducting scoping reviews by Arksey and O'Malley were followed. Results: The results revealed that intermittent fasting, education on diet, insulin injection, blood glucose monitoring, physical activities, lifestyle modification and foot care were the available self-management interventions for GD in Africa. Most of the reviewed studies reported intermittent fasting and patient education as effective self-management interventions for GD in Africa. The barriers identified in the reviewed studies were either patient-related or facility-related. Patient-related barriers included lack of awareness, and negative attitude, while facility-related barriers included lack of access to education on GD, especially, face-to-face educational interventions. Conclusion: It is crucial to consider the cultural and personal needs, as well as the educational level of women with gestational diabetes when creating an effective self-management intervention. Optimal results can be achieved for self-management of gestational diabetes by integrating multidisciplinary approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate the effect of silicon dioxide, citric acid and sodium selenite combination vaginal gel (DeflaGyn®) on critical parameters in carcinogenesis in vitro HeLa cell culture medium. Various parameters including cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species, genotoxicity, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and glutathione levels were evaluated by applying varying doses of vaginal gel to HeLa cell culture medium. The vaginal gel showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells. The IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) gel concentration for HeLa cells at 24 h was calculated on the concentration-response curve and was found to be 80.15% of DeflaGyn®. Increasing DeflaGyn® concentrations (12.5–100%) increased iROS (intracellular reactive oxygen species) levels 1.3-fold on average compared to the control (0.1% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide)). DNA damage and apoptosis levels increased significantly with concentration in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, a decrease was observed in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP levels decreased statistically significantly up to 70.14%) and intracellular glutathione levels, and all changes were proportional to the dose. Although it is known that the combination of vaginal gel facilitates the regression of cervical dysplasia and clearance of high-risk HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) types, there is no detailed information on the mechanism by which it provides these effects. In the present study, we found that the specific vaginal gel had a dose-dependent effect on various parameters thought to be important in the process of cervical carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to reveal the pathways through which the gel is effective and whether it has similar effects in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common cause of infertility and metabolic problems among women of reproductive age is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a multifaceted disorder. It is an endocrine disorder that occurs in approximately one in seven women. Among these PCOS patients, two thirds will not ovulate on a regular basis and seek treatment for ovulation induction. The symptoms vary in their severity, namely ovulation disorders, excessive androgen levels, or polycystic ovarian morphology. All these symptoms require a therapeutic approach. Many drugs are used to eradicate PCOS symptoms, like metformin, clomiphene citrate, spironolactone, and pioglitazone. Long-term treatment is required to achieve the desired outcome, which is often accompanied by significant adverse reactions. Some herbs and phytochemicals are equally effective for treating PCOS and produce minimal side effects. Recently, herbal products are gaining popularity due to their wide biological activities, safety, availability, and efficacy. The present review covers aetiology, current treatment, pathophysiology, and detailed pre-clinical and clinical studies on plants and phytochemicals that are proven to be useful for the treatment of symptoms associated with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have established a correlation between folate levels and the incidence of cervical cancer. Given that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary etiological factor in the development of cervical cancer, the nature of the relationship between dietary folate intake and HPV infection remains an area of ongoing investigation. Methods: To investigate the association between dietary folate intake and HPV infection, this study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2005 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the potential associations. Furthermore, the use of restricted cubic splines (RCS) facilitated the exploration of any non-linear correlations. Additionally, subgroup analyses were used to explore this correlation in different populations. Results: The study encompassed a total of 6747 women aged between 18 and 59 years. For every one mcg increase in folate intake, the incidence of HPV infection is reduced by 1% (OR = 0.99, p<0.05). Besides, folate intake was categorized into quartiles as follows: Q1 (<211 mcg/day), Q2 (211–311 mcg/day), Q3 (311–448 mcg/day), and Q4 (>448 mcg/day). The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the different folate levels were as follows: Q2: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.76–1.16), Q3: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.67–1.04), and Q4: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.49–0.81). The RCS analysis confirmed a nonlinear relationship between dietary folate intake and HPV infection risk. Notably, a significant inverse association was observed when dietary folate intake exceeded 193.847 mcg/day. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate a negative association between dietary folate intake and the risk of HPV infection. This association demonstrates a nonlinear pattern, particularly evident at higher levels of folate consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural Health Products (NHPs) have long been considered a valuable therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. However, research on this topic has led to inconclusive and often controversial results. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update of the effects and mechanisms related to the use of NHPs, to describe the results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on their effects in cancer patients, and to critically discuss factors influencing clinical outcomes. RCTs available in the literature, even those studying the same NHP, are very heterogeneous in terms of indications, doses, route and timing of administration, and outcomes evaluated. Silymarin, ginsenoside, and vitamin E appear to be useful in attenuating adverse events related to radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and curcumin and lycopene might provide some benefit in patients with prostate cancer. Most RCTs have not clarified whether NHP supplementation provides any real benefit, while harmful effects have been shown in some cases. Overall, the available data suggest that although there is some evidence to support the benefits of NHPs in the management of cancer patients, further clinical trials with the same design are needed before their introduction into clinical practice can be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Regarding the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and its association with non-communicable chronic diseases, providing preventive and therapeutic strategies is a priority. A randomized controlled study was conducted to assess the effects of combination therapy of milled brown flaxseed and hesperidin during lifestyle intervention on MetS components. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to receive lifestyle intervention plus combination therapy of brown flaxseed (30 g milled) and hesperidin (two 500 mg capsules) or lifestyle modification alone for 12 weeks. MetS was assessed as a primary endpoint. The trial was registered in clinicaltrial.gov:NCT03737422. Results: Forty-six percent of patients in the flaxseed-hesperidin group experienced more than three MetS factors improvement from baseline to week 12, while only 17% of patients in the control group fall in this category. A comparison of blood pressure changes throughout the study indicated a greater reduction in blood pressure in the intervention group rather than in the control group (-5.66 vs. -1.56 mmHg, P = 0.049). The reduction in plasma glucose (-20.35 vs. -7.46 mg/dL, P = 0.007) and triglyceride (-45.3 vs. -8.39 mg/dL, P = 0.020) in the flaxseed-hesperidin group was significantly more than the control group after 12 weeks of intervention. Conclusions: Our results indicate that co-administration of flaxseed and hesperidin as an adjunct to lifestyle modification program is more effective than lifestyle modification alone in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of maternal undernutrition has been reduced via numerous interventions, but it remains a global public health concern in underdeveloped countries. Pregnant women are increasingly using mobile phone applications to obtain, save, and share health information. This study evaluated maternal nutrition knowledge for the purposes of developing a mobile phone application-based health information sharing platform for pregnant women attending ante-natal care at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The study adopted cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study design. A food frequency and individual dietary diversity questionnaires were used to gather data on dietary consumption and diversity, while a semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information from respondents who attended the antenatal clinic. Approximately 31.2% of respondents exhibited a high level of knowledge regarding mobile phone applications. Half of the participants (50.1%) demonstrated a moderate level of understanding, whereas 18.7% showed a low level of familiarity with mobile phone applications. About 19.9% met the minimum dietary diversity score, while 12.2% met the minimum meal frequency, and 26.7% met the minimum acceptable diet. Based on Mid-Upper Arm Circumference, 60% of the pregnant women had normal nutritional status, 36.9% moderate acute malnutrition while 3.1% had severe acute malnutrition. Significant association was observed between dietary diversity score and mobile phone application knowledge p < 0.001. Additionally, nutritional status p < 0.05 and level of education p ? 0.05, and mobile phone application knowledge of pregnant women showed significant associations. Despite the growing number of mHealth apps, the level of knowledge and usability of such apps by patients still remains relatively low. Nevertheless, the majority who used health apps found them to be beneficial, and agreed that it helped them to live a healthier lifestyle. Health apps have great potential in health promotion and therefore, to increase the use of these apps, it is necessary to first increase awareness and knowledge of these apps, both to the public and to healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed to examine the effects of curcumin on chronic inflammatory metabolic disease by extensively evaluating meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a literature search of meta-analyses of RCTs published in English in PubMed®/MEDLINE up to 31 July 2023. We identified 54 meta-analyses of curcumin RCTs for inflammation, antioxidant, glucose control, lipids, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, endothelial function, depression, and cognitive function. A reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was observed in seven of ten meta-analyses of RCTs. In five of eight meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly lowered interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. In six of nine meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly lowered tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels. In five of six meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In 14 of 15 meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. In 12 of 12 meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In seven of eight meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. In eight of ten meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced insulin levels. In 14 of 19 meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) levels. Curcumin intake plays a protective effect on chronic inflammatory metabolic disease, possibly via improved levels of glucose homeostasis, MDA, TC, and inflammation (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and adiponectin). The safety and efficacy of curcumin as a natural product support the potential for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among Ethiopian women. This study aimed to assess the influence of the health system on access to cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services at public health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey design and collected data from 51 randomly selected public health centers in Addis Ababa. Open Data Kit was used to administer a semi-structured questionnaire on Android tablets, and SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the descriptive data. Results: In the study conducted at 51 health centers, cervical cancer prevention and control services achieved 61% HPV vaccination for girls, 79% for cervical cancer awareness messages, 80% for precancer lesion treatment, and 71% for cervical screening of women. All health centers were performing cervical screening mostly through visual inspection with acetic acid due to the inconsistent availability of HPV DNA tests and the lack of Pap smear tests. In 94% of health centers, adequate human resources were available. However, only 78% of nurses, 75% of midwives, 35% of health officers, and 49% of health extension workers received cervical cancer training in the 24 months preceding the study. Women had provider choices in only 65% of health centers, and 86% of the centers lacked electronic health records. In 41% of the health centers, the waiting time was 30 minutes or longer. About 88% and 90% of the facilities lacked audio and video cervical cancer messages, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that the annual cervical cancer screening achievement was on track to fulfill the WHO's 90-70-90 targets by 2030. We recommend that decision-makers prioritize increasing HPV vaccination rates, enhancing messaging, reducing wait times, and implementing electronic health records to improve access to cervical cancer services in Addis Ababa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of vitamin A and D derivatives with classical chemotherapeutic treatments results in more satisfactory outcomes. The use of drug combinations, such as 9cUAB130 with carboplatin and cisplatin with TAC-101, shows enhanced cytotoxic effects and reductions in ovarian tumor volume compared to single-drug treatments. Combining cisplatin with calcitriol and progesterone increases VDR expression, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of anticancer therapy in ovarian cancer. The effectiveness of vitamin derivatives in anticancer treatment may vary depending on the characteristics of the tumor and the cell line from which it originated. An increase in thiamine intake of one unit is associated with an 18% decrease in HPV infection. Higher intake of vitamin C by 50 mg/day is linked to a lower risk of cervical neoplasia. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E are associated with risk reductions of 12%, 15%, and 9% in endometrial cancer, respectively. A balanced daily intake of vitamins is important, as both deficiency and excess can influence cancer development. It has been observed that there is a U-shaped relationship between group B vitamins and metabolic markers and clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin is a multifunctional hormone regulator that maintains homeostasis through circadian rhythms, and desynchronization of these rhythms can lead to gastrointestinal disorders and increase the risk of cancer. Preliminary clinical studies have shown that exogenous melatonin alleviates the harmful effects of anticancer therapy and improves quality of life, but the results are still inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of the studies. A personalized approach to testing clinical parameters and response to integrative treatment with nontoxic and bioavailable melatonin in patient-centered N-of-1 studies deserves greater attention. This clinical case of colon cancer analyzes and discusses the tumor pathology, the adverse effects of chemotherapy, and the dynamics of markers of inflammation (NLR, LMR, and PLR ratios), tumors (CEA, CA 19-9, and PSA), and hemostasis (D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time). The patient took melatonin during and after chemotherapy, nutrients (zinc, selenium, vitamin D, green tea, and taxifolin), and aspirin after chemotherapy. The patient's PSA levels decreased during CT combined with melatonin (19 mg/day), and melatonin normalized inflammatory markers and alleviated symptoms of polyneuropathy but did not help with thrombocytopenia. The results are analyzed and discussed in the context of the literature on oncostatic and systemic effects, alleviating therapy-mediated adverse effects, association with survival, and N-of-1 studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myo-inositol (MI), present in a variety of foods, is essential in several important processes of cell physiology. In this study, we explored the protective effects of MI against hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in db/db mice, a typical animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MI supplement effectively suppressed the high plasma glucose and insulin levels and markedly relieved the insulin resistance (IR) in the db/db mice, comparable to metformin's effects. In MIN6 pancreatic β cells, MI also restrained the upsurge of insulin secretion stimulated by high-concentration glucose but had no impact on the promoted cell proliferation. Moreover, MI abated the enhanced plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the db/db mice. Notably, the lipid droplet formation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from db/db mice was significantly diminished after the treatment of MI, indicating that MI could effectively inhibit the differentiation of db/db mouse MSCs into adipocytes. However, MI regretfully failed to control obesity in db/db mice. This work proved that MI significantly helped db/db mice's metabolic disorders, indicating that MI has potential as an effective adjunctive treatment for hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects about 9.3% of the population globally. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of DM, owing to its promotion of oxidative stress, β-cell dysfunction, and insulin resistance. HHcy can result from low status of one-carbon metabolism (OCM) nutrients (e.g., folate, choline, betaine, vitamin B6, B12), which work together to degrade homocysteine by methylation. The etiology of HHcy may also involve genetic variation encoding key enzymes in OCM. This review aimed to provide an overview of the existing literature assessing the link between OCM nutrients status, related genetic factors, and incident DM. We also discussed possible mechanisms underlying the role of OCM in DM development and provided recommendations for future research and practice. Even though the available evidence remains inconsistent, some studies support the potential beneficial effects of intakes or blood levels of OCM nutrients on DM development. Moreover, certain variants in OCM-related genes may influence metabolic handling of methyl-donors and presumably incidental DM. Future studies are warranted to establish the causal inference between OCM and DM and examine the interaction of OCM nutrients and genetic factors with DM development, which will inform the personalized recommendations for OCM nutrients intakes on DM prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer was considered the fourth most common cancer worldwide in 2020. In order to reduce mortality, an early diagnosis of the tumor is required. Currently, this type of cancer occurs mostly in developing countries due to the lack of vaccination and screening against the Human Papillomavirus. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need for new methods aiming at a reliable screening and an early diagnosis of precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. Vibrational spectroscopy has provided very good results regarding the diagnosis of various tumors, particularly using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, which has proved to be a promising complement to the currently used histopathological methods of cancer diagnosis. This spectroscopic technique was applied to the analysis of cryopreserved human cervical tissue samples, both squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and non-cancer samples. A dedicated Support Vector Machine classification model was constructed in order to categorize the samples into either normal or malignant and was subsequently validated by cross-validation, with an accuracy higher than 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the last few years, several clinical trials have evaluated the potential positive effects of probiotics supplementation against several adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, it is currently questionable whether the existing studies are adequate to derive potential recommendations of high validity and accuracy. From this perspective, the aim of the current narrative review focuses on the critical summarization and scrutinization of the currently available clinical studies by searching the most precise international databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences. Most of the existing evidence seems promising, rendering probiotics as potential effective preventive factors and/or co-treatment agents against diverse adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there are several limitations and high heterogeneity amongst the existing clinical studies to be considered in order to derive specific recommendations of high validity to introduce probiotics supplementation in the clinical practice. Thus, further research is highly recommended in order to obtain more adequate conclusions. Background: Probiotics, as supplements or food ingredients, are considered to exert promising healthy effects when administered in adequate quantity. Probiotics' healthy effects are related with the prevention of many diseases, as well as decreasing symptom severity. Currently, the most available data concerning their potential health effects are associated with metabolic disorders, including gestational diabetes mellitus. There is also clinical evidence supporting that they may exert beneficial effects against diverse adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of the current narrative study is to extensively review and analyze the current existing clinical studies concerning the probable positive impacts of probiotics supplementation during pregnancy as a protective agent against adverse pregnancy outcomes beyond gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: a comprehensive and thorough literature search was conducted in the most precise scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences, utilizing efficient, representative, and appropriate keywords. Results: in the last few years, recent research has been conducted concerning the potential beneficial effects against several adverse pregnancy outcomes such as lipid metabolism dysregulation, gestational hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, excessive gestational weight gain, caesarean risk section, vaginal microbiota impairment, mental health disturbances, and others. Conclusion: up to the present day, there is only preliminary clinical data and not conclusive results for probiotics' healthy effects during pregnancy, and it remains questionable whether they could be used as supplementary treatment against adverse pregnancy outcomes beyond gestational diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review summarizes the main findings about the human seminal microbiome regarding its biological origins, microbial populations, and relationship with fertility and health, as well as the factors that may affect its composition and the potential sources of data variability. Although the microbial communities from seminal fluid were an unexplored field some decades ago, their characteristics and potential roles are gradually coming to light. Therefore, a complex and specific microbiome population with commensal niches and fluctuating species has started to be revealed. In fact, certain clusters of bacteria have been associated with fertility and health, while the outgrowth of several species is potentially correlated with infertility indicators. This constitutes a compelling reason for outlining the external elements that may induce changes in the seminal microbiome composition, like lifestyle factors, gut microbiota, pathologies, prebiotics, and probiotics. In this review, we summarize the main findings about seminal microbiome, its origins and composition, its relationship with fertility, health, and influence factors, while reminding readers of the limitations and advantages introduced from technical variabilities during the experimental procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem reproductive–metabolic disorder and the most common endocrine cause of infertility. The objective of our study was to determine the influence of myo-inositol (MI) on insulin resistance (IR), menstrual cycle regularity, and hyperandrogenism in women suffering from PCOS with normal BMI and diagnosed IR. Methods: We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) that included 60 participants with PCOS who had IR and a normal BMI. Two groups were formed. A group of thirty patients received MI, and thirty patients in the control group received metformin (MET). Results: A statistically significant reduction in the area under the curve (AUC) of insulin values during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was recorded in both examined groups after the applied therapy with MI and MET. The regularity of the menstrual cycle in both groups was improved in >90% of patients. A statistically significant decrease in androgenic hormones (testosterone, SHBG, free androgen index—FAI, androstenedione) was recorded in both groups and did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Both MI and MET can be considered very effective in the regulation of IR, menstrual cycle irregularities, and hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer (Ca Cx) the 4th common cancer has a high mortality rate. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is chiefly responsible for a long latent period to progress from preinvasive to invasive Ca Cx. So it can be prevented by screening procedures such as visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), conventional cervical PAP smear (CP), liquid-based cytology (LBC), and high-risk (HPV-hr) detection along with vaccination. Aims and Objectives: The study aims to determine the socio-demographic profile of Ca Cx and the most appropriate costeffective community screening method. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study with 80 symptomatic women of reproductive and peri/postmenopausal age groups attending the Gynecology Department who underwent VIA, CP, and LBC and thereby detected positive along with screened negative but clinically suspicious women were tested for HPV-hr detection. Results were tabulated into an Excel sheet and screening methods were compared using Chi-square test, gold standard being cervical histopathology (P<0.5 significant). Statistical software used - Graphpad Prism 9 (San Diego, CA). Results: The mean age was 43.3 years. Multiparity and early marriage were seen in 80% and 45% respectively. Inflammatory lesions were best diagnosed by CP but epithelial cell abnormality and more satisfactory smears by LBC (P<0.05). Sensitivity was highest (93.75%) in VIA, positive predictive value, and specificity in CP (91.66%, 75%). negative predictive value was highest in VIA and HPV-hr DNA (50%). Conclusion: VIA with CP/LBC is an economically viable and effective screening method for Ca Cx in developing countries along with HPV vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Objectives: The present study was done to compare the visual inspection methods with Pap smear as a screening test for premalignant lesions of the cervix. Materials and Methods: The present observational prospective study was done at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Center for 18 months. All study subjects were subjected to Papanicolaou smear, VIA, and VILI examination. If any of these tests were found positive, then a colposcopy and cervical biopsy were done. Results: The sensitivity of Pap, VIA, VILI, and colposcopy was 52.63%, 84.21%, 73.68%, and 84.21%, respectively. The specificity of Pap, VIA, VILI, and colposcopy was 60.0%, 80.0%, 60.0%, and 80.0%, respectively. The accuracy of Pap, VIA, VILI, and colposcopy was 54.17%, 83.33%, 70.83%, and 83.33%, respectively. Conclusion: It is well known that VIA and VILI are very easy to carry out and apply. Even technically they do not cost much, consume less tax and can be applied to all the patients. Even the results are calculated in a faster manner which helps in chalking out the plan in an easy way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is characterized by fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and various symptoms, including high androgen levels, endometrial irregularities, and cysts. Although the main cause of PCOS remains unknown, it has been linked to genetic, endocrine, and metabolic factors, and there are several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. Natural products such as medicinal plants and fruits are being explored as potential treatments for PCOS because of their bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects related to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Some of these compounds improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and enhance glucose metabolism, thereby benefiting patients with PCOS. This mini-review examined the effects of natural products on PCOS, including their effects on ovarian histological changes, blood glucose, sex hormones, and lipid profiles, based on animal and human studies. This study suggests that the use of natural products as complementary medicines can be a promising resource for the development of effective therapeutics for PCOS; however, further research is needed to fully understand their benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past two decades, oxidative stress (OS) has drawn a lot of interest due to the revelation that individuals with many persistent disorders including diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular, and other disorders often have aberrant oxidation statuses. OS has a close interplay with PCOS features such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and chronic inflammation; there is a belief that OS might contribute to the development of PCOS. PCOS is currently recognized as not only one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders but also a significant contributor to female infertility, affecting a considerable proportion of women globally. Therefore, the understanding of the relationship between OS and PCOS is crucial to the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies for PCOS. Moreover, the mechanistic study of intracellular reactive oxygen species/ reactive nitrogen species formation and its possible interaction with women's reproductive health is required, which includes complex enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Apart from that, our current review includes possible regulation of the pathogenesis of OS. A change in lifestyle, including physical activity, various supplements that boost antioxidant levels, particularly vitamins, and the usage of medicinal herbs, is thought to be the best way to combat this occurrence of OS and improve the pathophysiologic conditions associated with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women associated with cardiovascular disease and obesity. The possible benefits of omega-3 supplementation in this syndrome have been discussed much. This study is aimed to verify, based on the scientific data published, if there are any benefits in the omega-3 supplementation in the treatment of PCOS and to indicate its possible dosages for the treatment of polycystic ovary. The work consists of a systematic review of clinical trials and cohort of the MEDLINE/PubMed database from 2009 to October 2019. All studies that analyzed the omega-3 supplementation in women with PCOS were included. Cross-sectional studies, review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, duplicates, studies in animals or cell culture, studies with omega-3 supplementation via food or associated with other supplementations were not included, except those involving vitamin E. In total, 21 articles were selected. Despite the heterogeneity of the studies selected, indirect benefits were observed mainly regarding the glycemic profile, such as insulin resistance reduction, lipid profile modulation (i.e. decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and elevation of high-density lipoprotein), and the regulation of the androgenic profile. As for the anthropometric profile, the studies were scarce and most of them had no significant meaning. Regarding the antioxidant profile and inflammatory biomarkers, the findings differ among studies, but promising results were observed with different doses over 12 weeks of use, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) reduction. Thus, omega-3 fatty acids promote indirect benefits in the treating of women with PCOS. However, to reveal well-defined standards for dosage and supplementation time, further studies are needed., (© 2022 Vitoria Melo et al., published by Sciendo.)

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to understanding the causes of infertility, which is being recognized as a growing health problem affecting large numbers of couples worldwide. Male infertility is a contributing factor in approximately 30–40% of cases, and one of its etiological causes is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Among sexually transmitted pathogens, human papillomavirus (HPV) can contribute in various ways to the failure of spontaneous and assisted reproduction, acting in the different phases of conception, especially in the early ones. In particular, HPV infection can affect sperm DNA integrity, sperm motility, count, viability, and morphology and can induce the production of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs). In this narrative review, we aimed to provide an overview of existing research on the potential adverse effects of HPV infection on male reproductive health. Furthermore, we analyzed how limiting the spread of the infection, particularly with gender-neutral vaccination, could be a possible therapeutic tool to counteract male and female fertility problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, which is associated with a heavy economic and social burden. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with curcumin-piperine combination in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation stage. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 66 patients with stroke were randomized into two groups receiving curcumin-piperine tablets (500 mg curcumin + 5 mg piperine) and matched placebo tablets for 12 weeks. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), thrombosis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS22 software. Results: A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 59.80 ± 4.25 years completed the trial. Based on ANCOVA test, adjusted for baseline values, curcumin-piperine supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in serum levels of hs-CRP (p = 0.026), total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.009), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.001), CIMT (p = 0.002), weight (P = 0.001), waist circumference (p = 0.024), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), and a significant increase in TAC (p < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo. Pain score significantly increased in both groups; however, its increase was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the intervention group (p = 0.007). No significant changes were observed between the two groups in terms of serum fibrinogen, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and quality of life indices. Conclusion: Curcumin-piperine supplementation had beneficial effects on CIMT, serum hs-CRP, TC, TG, TAC, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Curcumin (CCM), a culinary spice, is widely consumed for its health benefits for managing oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and hyperlipidemia. However, due to its extensive metabolism, the oral bioavailability of CCM is very low. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and selective assay to examine the hypothesis that piperine improves CCM bioavailability after piperine co‐ingestion. We developed a selective, sensitive, and robust LC–MS/MS method to quantify CCM in human urine. The method was linear over a concentration range 0.625–40 ng/mL with LLOQ and LLOD of 0.625 ng/mL and 0.312 ng/mL, respectively. Healthy volunteers have consumed test meals of CCM as turmeric powder with and without black pepper with 1 week wash out. Urine samples were collected for 24 hours and analyzed for CCM excretion. Black pepper increased CCM half‐life from 2.2 ± 0.79 h (CCM alone) to 4.5 ± 0.80 h (CCM + pepper). The CCM 24‐h urinary excreted amount was higher in individuals consuming CCM + pepper (218.14 ± 94.98 μg) than those who received CCM only (49.45 ± 12.94 μg). This preliminary study indicates that piperine significantly increased CCM oral absorption, reduced systemic clearance, and improved bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most prevalent hormonal disorder in females. Over the years, metformin (MET) has become the first-line choice of treatment; however, due to its gastrointestinal side effects, a more recent drug, myo-inositol (MI), has been introduced. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of MET and MI on hormonal and metabolic parameters. Materials and methods: Authors extensively searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) until August 2021. Eight (n = 8) articles were included, with a total sample size of 1088, of which 460 patients received MET, 436 received MI, and 192 received a combination of both. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and Confidence Intervals (CIs) were used for data synthesis, and forest plots were made using Review Manager 5.4 for Statistical Analysis using the random-effect model. Results: The meta-analysis indicates that there is no significant difference between MET and MI in terms of their effects on BMI (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: − 0.11 to 0.43, p = 0.24), fasting insulin (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI: − 0.26 to 0.27, p = 0.97), fasting blood sugar (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: − 0.31to 0.53, p = 0.60), HOMA index (SMD = 0.09, 95% CI: − 0.20 to 0.39, p = 0.50), and LH/FSH (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI: − 0.24 to 0.64, p = 0.37). BMI, fasting blood sugar, and LH/FSH ratio reported moderate heterogeneity because of the varying number of study participants. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis comparing hormonal and metabolic parameters between MET and MI did not show much significant difference, indicating both drugs are equally beneficial in improving metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 infection on male fertility and sexual function. Methods: Thirty-one patients were investigated over a mean follow-up of 90 days (22–527) after a COVID-19 infection. Erectile dysfunction (ED), blood tests for sexual hormones, semen analysis including analysis of oxidative stress (OS), as well as COVID-19 antibody titer and the nasal COVID-19 PCR test were evaluated pre- and post-infection. Results: Five patients reported a mild de novo ED (16.13%). One patient had a de novo positive mixed antiglobulin reaction test after the infection. We found no significant difference between pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 spermiogram parameters (p = 0.815). OS showed no significant association with COVID-19 infection, but with pathological spermiogram categories, sperm concentration, total sperm count, testis volume, FSH and testosterone. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection does not appear to affect sperm quality and OS negatively in the intermediate term. Further investigations will be needed to assess the potential long-term effects of the infection and vaccination on male sexual function and fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the comparative effectiveness of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method: Randomized controlled clinical trials on the effects of nutritional supplements in PCOS patients were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from their establishments to March 15, 2023. Then, literature screening, data extraction, and network meta-analysis were performed. This study was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD 42023441257). Result: Forty-one articles involving 2,362 patients were included in this study. The network meta-analysis showed that carnitine, inositol, and probiotics reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI) compared to placebo, and carnitine outperformed the other supplements (SUCRAs: 96.04%, 97.73%, respectively). Omega-3 lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SUCRAs: 93.53%), and chromium reduced fasting insulin (FINS) (SUCRAs: 72.90%); both were superior to placebo in improving insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and chromium was more effective than Omega-3 (SUCRAs: 79.99%). Selenium was potent in raising the quantitative insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI) (SUCRAs: 87.92%). Coenzyme Q10 was the most effective in reducing triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SUCRAs: 87.71%, 98.78%, and 98.70%, respectively). Chromium and probiotics decreased TG levels, while chromium and vitamin D decreased TC levels. No significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total testosterone (TT), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) between nutritional supplements and placebo. Conclusion: Carnitine was relatively effective in reducing body mass, while chromium, Omega-3, and selenium were beneficial for improving glucose metabolism. Meanwhile, coenzyme Q10 was more efficacious for improving lipid metabolism. However, publication bias may exist, and more high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The microbiome of newborn infants during the first 1000 days, influenced early on by their mothers' microbiome health, mode of delivery and breast feeding, orchestrates the education and programming of the infant's immune system and determines in large part the general health of the infant for years. Methods: PubMed was reviewed for maternal infant microbiome health and microbiota therapy in this setting with prebiotics, probiotics, vaginal seeding and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Results: A healthy nonobese mother, vaginal delivery and strict breast feeding contribute to microbiome health in a newborn and young infant. With reduced microbiome diversity (dysbiosis) during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, prematurity, and formula feeding contribute to dysbiosis in the newborn. Microbiota therapy is an important approach to repair dysbiosis in pregnant women and their infants. Currently available probiotics can have favorable metabolic effects on mothers and infants, but these effects are variable. In research settings, reversal of infant dysbiosis can be achieved via vaginal seeding or FMT. Next generation probiotics in development should replace current probiotics and FMT. Conclusions: The most critical phase of human microbiome development is in the first 2–3 years of life. Preventing and treating dysbiosis during pregnancy and early life can have a profound effect on an infant's later health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hyperandrogenism is a common disorder in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that can cause changes in body fat distribution and the amount of visceral adipose tissue. Visceral adiposity impairs insulin action, leading to insulin resistance (IR), cardiovascular disease, and renal disorders due to obesity and insulin resistance. Dietary thylakoids reduce visceral fat mass by suppressing appetite and regulating body weight. The present trial aimed to evaluate the fat distribution and renal function after thylakoid membranes of spinach supplementation along with a hypo-caloric diet. Methods. Forty-four obese women with PCOS participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for 12 weeks and were allocated to receive 5 gr of thylakoid membranes of spinach extract combined with hypo-caloric diet or 5 gr placebo along with a hypo-caloric diet. Novel atherogenic and anthropometric indices including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli risk index I (CRI-I), Castelli risk index II (CRI-II), TyG-BMI (TyG-BMI), metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), abdominal volume index (AVI), body adiposity index (BAI), a body shape index (ABSI), and serum urea, creatinine, and total protein were assessed at the baseline and end of the intervention period. Results. Thylakoid membranes of spinach supplementation along with a calorie restriction diet showed a significant decrease in the AIP, CRI-I, II, TyG-BMI, and METS-IR (P < 0.05). AVI, BAI, and ABSI were found to reduce in the thylakoid and placebo groups (P < 0.05). However, the changes in serum urea, creatinine, and total protein did not show significant differences between the intervention and placebo groups. Conclusion. After 12-week supplementation with thylakoid membranes extracted from spinach, improvements in the value of atherogenic indices and insulin resistance surrogate markers were observed, while this intervention did not make a significant difference in the serum levels of renal function factors. This trial is registered with IRCT20140907019082N9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of influencing factors (sex, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) status at baseline, linoleic acid (LA) intake, milk fat intake) on the conversion of α-linolenic acid (ALA) obtained from linseed oil into its long-chain metabolites. In addition, the effect of ALA on cardiovascular risk markers was investigated. This study used a parallel design approach by randomly assigning the 134 subjects to one of four diets (high in LA (HLA); low in LA (LLA); high in milk fat (MF); control (Western diet)) each enriched with linseed oil (10 en%, 22–27 mL ≙ 13–16 g ALA). Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of dietary intervention. The study was fully completed by 105 subjects (57.4 ± 12.1 years; 65.7% female). Results showed that ALA (296–465%), C-20:4n3 (54–140%), and EPA (37–73%) concentrations in erythrocytes increased in all groups (p < 0.01). In contrast, docosahexaenoic acid (19–35%, p < 0.01) and n-3 index (10–21%, p < 0.05) dropped in the HLA, LLA, and control groups. An increase in C-22:5n3 was only observed in the MF (36%) and control groups (11%) (p < 0.05). In addition, an increase in LA (7–27%) was found in the HLA, LLA, and control groups, whereas C-20:3n6 (16–22%), arachidonic acid (10–16%), C-22:4n6 (12–30%), and C-22:5n6 (32–47%) decreased (p < 0.01). The conversion into EPA was higher in men than in women (69 vs. 39%, p = 0.043) and in subjects with low EPA status compared to participants with high EPA status (79 vs. 29%, p < 0.001). A high LA status attenuates the conversion rate. In line with the literature, no clear effects on blood lipids and parameters of glucose metabolism were found in relation to ALA supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of curcumin levels on growth, flesh quality, and oxidative resistance in juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (initial mean weight: 4.5 ± 0.3 g) were randomly fed five diets with curcumin supplementation levels of 0 (control), 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg. After 60 days of feeding, the hepatosomatic index was significantly reduced in the curcumin supplemented groups. The 300 mg/kg group had the highest crude protein content of the whole fish. Compared to the control group, the crude fat content of whole fish in the 150 and 300 mg/kg groups was significantly reduced by 18.83%–19.74%, respectively. The highest values for muscular hardness, chewiness, myofibrillar density, and proportion of small-sized myofibers (<40 μm) were observed in the 300 mg/kg group. The levels of total nonessential amino acids and bitter amino acids in muscle were significantly lower in the 150 and 300 mg/kg groups than in the other groups. The 300 mg/kg group had higher levels of free sweet amino acids in the muscle than the other groups. Muscles from the 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg groups had significantly higher levels of umami amino acids than in the other groups. The levels of total free nonessential amino acids and total amino acids in serum were significantly higher in the 300 mg/kg group than in the control group. Serum aspartate transaminase activity was significantly lower in the curcumin supplementation groups than in the control group, and the serum alanine aminotransferase activity was significantly lower in the 150 mg/kg group than in the other groups. Serum superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in the curcumin supplementation groups than in the control group. Serum catalase activity was significantly higher in the 150 mg/kg group than in the other groups. The serum malondialdehyde level was lowest in the 150 mg/kg group. These results suggest that dietary curcumin supplementation in the diet at 150–300 mg/kg can effectively improve the nutritional value, muscle flavor, and antioxidant capacity of tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyscias scutellaria (PS), an increasingly recognized botanical marvel, has emerged as a remarkable reservoir of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, holding immense potential for enhancing health and promoting overall well-being. In this comprehensive investigation, we meticulously examined the multifaceted properties of PS through various parameters, including DPPH scavenging activity, total phenol, and total flavonoid content in its ethanol extract (EEPS), ethyl acetate extract (EAPS), and n-hexane extract (nhPS). Additionally, we conducted in-depth assessments of cellular responses to EEPS and EAPS, encompassing cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production, and the modulation of pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-12 (IL-12), utilizing the RAW 264.7 cell line as a model system. Our findings illuminate the exceptional antioxidant prowess of PS extracts, with EEPS, EAPS, and nhPS displaying noteworthy DPPH scavenging activities. These results underscore their potential in quenching harmful free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. Furthermore, our investigation unveils the promising anti-inflammatory attributes of EEPS and EAPS, as evidenced by their capacity to preserve cellular viability, dampen NO production, and suppress the secretion of critical pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-12) in RAW 264.7 cells. These remarkable anti-inflammatory effects hint at the therapeutic potential of PS in ameliorating chronic inflammatory conditions and bolstering the body’s immune response.In conclusion, Polyscias scutellaria stands as an emerging botanical champion, offering a wealth of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that hold great promise for optimizing health and well-being. This study opens exciting avenues for future research to elucidate the precise bioactive constituents within PS and unravel their intricate mechanisms of action, paving the way for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions and wellness-enhancing products. The remarkable properties of PS underscore its potential as a cornerstone of holistic health and a valuable asset in the pursuit of a vibrant and balanced life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]