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Global increase in the prevalence of age‐related diseases, such as sarcopenia, highlights the need of recognizing agents that improve muscle health; however, the evidence synthesis on the impact of probiotic administration on sarcopenia is scarce. To summarize and evaluate findings regarding the effect of supplementation with probiotics on sarcopenia, this meta‐analysis was conducted. Using databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI–Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, interventional studies were included if they investigate the effect of probiotic administration on at least one of the components of sarcopenia up to 6 October 2022. Risk of bias evaluation was conducted using the Cochrane quality assessment tool. The random‐effects model which takes between‐study variations into account was used to obtain the overall effect sizes. The STATA version 14.0 was used for statistical analyses. Overall, 17 studies were included. There was high certainty of evidence that probiotic supplementation has a beneficial effect on muscle mass (kg) (WMD: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.05, 1.05; I2: 0.0%, p =.995), and muscle function (WMD: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.23; I2: 65.6%, p =.05). Moreover, administration of probiotics for more than 12 weeks significantly increased muscle strength (WMD: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.44; I2: 0.0%, p =.77). However, probiotic supplementation had no effect on anthropometric indices, including body mass index. Probiotic supplementation could improve muscle mass and muscle function in adults more than 55 years old. The beneficial effect of probiotics on muscle strength could appear after 12 weeks of supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Maternal antioxidants intake and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentration during pregnancy might influence on birth outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the association between dietary antioxidants intake and plasma TAC during pregnancy with birth outcomes. Methods Overall, 220 mother–infant pairs were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal whole blood was collected and TAC was determined by the ELISA kit. Food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information regarding usual dietary intake. Birth size measurements including birth weight, length and head circumference were measured according to standardized protocols. Results Energy-adjusted intake of beta-carotene in the first trimester of gestation [beta (SE) = 0.0002 (0.00008); p  = 0.016] and energy-adjusted intake of vitamin E in third trimester of pregnancy [beta (SE) = −0.31 (0.15); p  = 0.046] had significantly positive and negative associations with birth length, respectively. The maternal plasma TAC was positively correlated with birth weight in both unadjusted and adjusted models [beta (SE) = 2.75 (1.35); p  = 0.043 and beta (SE) = 3.43 (1.50); p  = 0.023, respectively]. In addition, the adjusted model showed a significant positive relationship between the maternal plasma TAC and birth length [beta (SE) = 0.023 (0.009); p  = 0.01]. Conclusion This study showed the positive association of maternal plasma TAC with birth weight and length. Moreover, maternal dietary intake of beta-carotene in the first trimester and vitamin E in the third trimester of pregnancy had significant positive and negative correlations with birth length, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the effect of thiamine alone or in combination with vitamin C has been studied in multiple trials (RCT and interventional studies), their results are inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to assess impact of thiamine administration alone, thiamine in combination with vitamin C, and co-administration of low-dose hydrocortisone, vitamin C and thiamine (HVT) on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Methods and materials: After electronic searches on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, initially 3367 papers were found, and 20 interventional studies were included in our analysis. We assessed the risk-difference between treatment and control (standard treatment) groups by pooling available data on ICU length of stay, number of ventilator free days, mortality, and changes in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Results: The results of present studies revealed no significant effect of thiamine in combination with vitamin C, and HVT on number of free days of ventilation. Thiamine alone supplementation was associated with high mortality percentage (WMD: 5.17%; 95% CI: 2.67, 7.67). Thiamine in combination with vitamin C had no significant impact on mortality rate. In contrast, HVT could decrease mortality rate (WMD: − 7.23%; 95% CI: − 10.31, − 4.16; I-square: 0.0%). There was no significant effect of thiamine alone, co-administration of thiamine and vitamin C, and HVT on ICU length of stay. The results of the meta-analysis showed that thiamine alone and HVT supplementation had no significant effect on SOFA score. Interestingly, co-supplementation of thiamine and vitamin C had a significant decreasing effect on SOFA score (WMD: − 0.73; 95% CI: − 1.29, − 0.17; I-square: 0.0%). Conclusion: In contrast to HVT, thiamine supplementation alone was associated with increased mortality rate in ICU. However, co-supplementation of thiamine and vitamin C had a significant decreasing effect on SOFA score. Highlights: Thiamine, co-supplementation of thiamine and vitamin C and co-administration of hydrocortisone, vitamin C and thiamine (HVT) had no significant effect on free days of ventilation and ICU length of stay. HVT could decrease and thiamine supplementation could increase mortality rate in ICU. Co-supplementation of thiamine and vitamin C could decrease SOFA score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Previous studies suggested that neck circumference (NC) as a new, simple, and valuable tool for the measuring obesity. However, the results of studies regarding the relationship between blood lipids and neck circumference were inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the association between NC and lipid profiles in adults. Methods and results PubMed and Scopus electronic databases were searched until 30 June 2018 to find articles that reported the association between NC and blood lipids. Mean serum lipids and variables contributed to heterogeneity were extracted. Sources of inter-study heterogeneity were determined by subgroup analysis. Of 2490 publications identi- fied, 33 studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. We found an inverse correlation between NC and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C; overall Fisher's Z = -0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.21, -0.15]. Furthermore, we found positive associations between NC and total cholesterol (TC; overall Fisher's Z = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.16), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; overall Fisher's Z = 0.1; 95% CI = -0.04, 0.16), and triglyceride (TG; overall Fisher's Z = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.25) in men. Neck circumference was directly correlated to TC (overall Fisher's Z = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.19) and LDL-C (overall Fisher's Z = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.12, 0.20) in healthy and unhealthy women, respectively. There was no correlation between NC and serum concentration of TC (overall Fisher's Z = 0.01; 95% CI = -0.02, 0.03) and LDL-C (overall Fisher's Z = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.16) in unhealthy and healthy women, respectively. Conclusion Higher NC in unhealthy men was strongly indirectly associated with HDL-C, and directly related to LDL-C, TG, and TC. In unhealthy women, higher NC was inversely associated with HDL and directly related to LDL-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. It is well known that the expression of some miRNAs such as miRNA-146a is upregulated in diabetic and hyperglycaemic patients, whereas circulating miRNA-126 is reduced. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the circulating malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, and the expression of miR-146a and miR-126 in patients with T2DM. Methods: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 44 patients with T2DM randomly receiving 8 mg/d of oral AST (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Results: We observed that AST supplementation could decrease plasma levels of MDA and IL-6 (P < .05) and decrease the expression level of miR-146a over time (fold change: −1/388) (P < .05). Conclusion: AST supplementation might be beneficial for improving circulating MDA and IL-6 and the down-regulation of miR-146a. However, future investigations are suggested to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with hemophilia are an enhanced risk of modifiable cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. There is currently no nutritional guideline to prevent or manage cardiometabolic risk factors in these patients. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the effect of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors among children with hemophilia. In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 40 children (all male) with hemophilia were randomly allocated to the DASH group (n = 20) or control group (n = 20) for 10 weeks. The intervention group received the DASH diet (50%–55% of energy from carbohydrate, 27%–30% of energy from fat and 16%–18% energy from protein), and the control group received nutritional recommendations based on healthy eating practices. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Serum vitamin C was measured as a biomarker of compliance with the DASH diet. Study was registered at IRCT.ir (IRCT20130903014551N6). A significant increase in serum vitamin C in the DASH diet group was observed compared to the control group (p =.001), indicating good compliance with the DASH diet. There was a significant reduction in SBP (−0.48 mmHg), DBP (−0.48 mmHg), FBS (−5.86 mg/dl), TC (−16.07 mg/dl), TG (−17.21 mg/dl), and LDL‐C (−9.79 mg/dl), and a significant increase in HDL‐C (3.39 mg/dl), in the DASH diet group compared with the control group. Adherence to the DASH diet in children with hemophilia yielded beneficial effects in blood pressure, lipid profiles, and FBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Adequate nutrition is closely linked to clinical outcomes. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess nutritional statuses of the ICU patients in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 55 critically ill adult patients receiving enteral nutrition for a minimum of seven days were participated. Nutritional screening, including acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) score, nutrition risk in critically (NUTRIC) score and nutritional assessments of laboratory data, energy and protein balance, was carried out. Moreover, gastrointestinal problems was assessed. Results: In total, 55 patients (35 men and 20 women) with the median [IQR] age of 49 [18-77] years and the median [IQR] weight of 75 (55-100) kg were included in this study. The average of albumin concentrations were 3 g/dl ±0.7 in ICU inpatients, indicating decreased albumin levels compared to normal ranges (3.5-5 g/dl). During inpatient period, nutrition screening showed a median range of NUTRIC score of 3 (2-5) and APACHE score of 23 (18-27). In addition, median range of weight decreased to 71 (50-96) kg. Median intakes of energy and proteins for seven days seemed inadequate (1920 [1200-2740] and 86 [49-129], respectively). After gastrointestinal assessment, 20% of the participants had nausea and vomiting, 10% had obstipation, 5% had diarrhea and 20% had enteral feeding intolerance (assessed by GRV > 250 mL at repeated regular (6 h) measurements). Conclusions: Results have suggested that although imbalanced energy, insufficient protein intakes, and gastrointestinal complications are common in ICU patients especially in women, risk assessment of malnutrition has shown no critical results. Therefore, designing and providing more sensitive methods for the screening of nutrition and assessment of nutritional adequacy is essential to prevent malnutrition in societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the beneficial effects of melatonin supplementation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration and clinical depressive disorder. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted of Medlin, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google scholar, from database inception to January 20, 2021. Studies were eligible if they: (1) were a clinical trial; (2) enrolled adults; (3) assessed the effect of melatonin supplementation on serum concentration of BDNF or depression score. Overall effects, as weighted mean difference (WMD), were calculated for concentration of BDNF and depression score. Melatonin supplementation yielded no significant effect on BDNF concentration (WMD: −5.61; 95% CI: −14.10, 2.88; I-square: 85.6%), but improved depression by decreasing the score (WMD: −0.76; 95% CI: −1.12, −0.4; I-square: 88.0%). Due to high heterogeneity between studies, subgroup analysis for gender, duration and dose in BDNF studies and duration, age, dose, continent and Questionnaire type in depression studies, was utilised. The subgroup analysis showed that melatonin supplementation had a significant decreasing effect on BDNF levels in doses ≤ 10 mg/day, with more than 4 weeks of duration, and in men. The present study revealed that melatonin supplementation has a decreasing effect on depression in all duration of studies and doses subgroup and in age more than 65 years in depression studies but heterogenicity of the included studies, did not allow a definitive conclusion. There is limited evidence for effects of melatonin on serum BDNF. Melatonin is a safe and effective supplement for depressive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia, a multi-faceted skeletal muscle disorder in the older population, has poor health outcomes. Some previous observational studies investigated the association between circulating inflammatory markers and sarcopenia components to evaluate chronic inflammation as a risk factor for sarcopenia in the elderly population. Nevertheless, the association between circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) and hs-CRP, as the recognized markers of systemic inflammation and components of sarcopenia, is unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of muscle strength, muscle mass, and muscle function with two serum inflammatory markers, circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP). We assessed all observational studies across different electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords such as "muscle strength", "muscle mass", "muscle function", CRP and hs-CRP from inception until the 30th of July 2019. Only studies that investigated the association between components of sarcopenia and CRP or hs-CRP levels were included. Participants' country, age, sex, BMI, and screening tool for sarcopenia were retrieved. The correlations between muscle strength, muscle mass, and muscle function with CRP, and hs-CRP were expressed as the correlation coefficient (r) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Begg's test and Egger's test were conducted to evaluate risk of publication bias in this study. Initially, we found fifty-nine studies for the qualitative synthesis. Ultimately, nineteen adult cross-sectional studies comprising 14,650 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Of them, fourteen studies measured the correlation between CRP or hs-CRP and muscle strength. There were significant inverse correlation between CRP and hs-CRP concentrations with muscle strength (ES (z) = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.34 to −0.09; P < 0.001), (ES (z) = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.34 to −0.09; P < 0.001), respectively. No publication bias was found between muscle strength and CRP (P = 0.53) or hs-CRP (P = 0.62) respectively. Among diagnostic components of sarcopenia, impairment of muscle strength was independently associated with both inflammatory biomarkers. However, future cohort studies are essential to clarify the causal correlation. • Chronic inflammation displayed by CRP or hs-CRP could play a role in sarcopenia. • Decreased muscle strength was independently associated with high hs-CRP levels, as a very sensitive marker in detecting low-grade chronic inflammation. • CRP levels also are adversely associated with muscle strength. • There is no association between higher CRP levels and loss of muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cumulative rate of death of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has necessitated better recognizing the risk factors of the disease and the COVID-19-induced mortality. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the potential risk factors that predict COVID-19-related mortality concentrating on the initial recorded laboratory tests. We extracted admission's medical records of a total of 136 deaths related to COVID-19 and 272 discharged adult inpatients (≥18 years old) related to four referral centers from February 24th to April 12th, 2020, in Isfahan, Iran, to figure out the relationship between the laboratory findings and mortality beyond demographic and clinical findings. We applied the independent sample t test and a chichi square test with SPSS software to compare the differences between the survivor and non-survivor patients. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Our results showed that greater length of hospitalization (P≤0.001), pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P≤0.001), high pulse rate, hypoxia (P≤0.001), and high computed tomography scan score (P<0.001), in addition to high values of some laboratory parameters, increase the risk of mortality. Moreover, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR, 1.890; 95% CI, 1.074-3.325, P=0.027), increased creatinine levels (OR, 15.488; 95% CI, 0.801-299.479, P=0.07), and elevated potassium levels (OR, 13.400; 95% CI, 1.084-165.618, P=0.043) independently predicted in-hospital death related to COVID-19 infection. These results emphasized the potential role of impaired laboratory parameters for the prognosis of fatal outcomes in adult inpatients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between circulating Lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) concentrations, and plasma lipoproteins has been indicated by observational studies. However, the beneficial impact of L/Z administration on dyslipidemia are unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of oral intake of L/Z on circulating total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. We electronically assessed all eligible interventional studies through different electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ISI –Web of Science, and Cochrane library until Jun 2021. After identifying the quality of each included randomized controlled trials, they were evaluated by assessing the risk-difference between treatment and control groups by pooling available data on net change of serum LDL-C, HDL-C, and Cholesterol. L/Z supplementation has null effect on circulating levels of TC (WMD: −3.82 95% CI: −13.83, 6.18; I-square: 85.2%), and LDL-C (WMD: −4.54; 95% CI: −11.5, 2.48; I-square: 83.9%). In contrast, L/Z treatment could significantly increase HDL-C levels in older adults (WMD: 4.06; 95% CI: 0.64, 7.48; I-square: 50.7%). L/Z administration could be an effective treatment for improving circulating HDL-C concentration in elderly adults. [Display omitted] • This meta-analysis indicated that Lutein supplementation has null overall effect on circulating levels of Total Cholesterol, LDL- Cholesterol, and HDL- Cholesterol in all subjects. • The age subgroups analysis indicated that administration of lutein could increase HDL-C levels in older adults (age≥ 60). • The subgroups analysis could not show the positive effect of lutein supplementation on circulating levels of Total Cholesterol, and LDL- Cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]