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Dyslipidemia is the main risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. There are discrepancies in the effects of calcium supplementation on modulation of lipid status. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the effects of dietary calcium supplement on circulating lipoprotein concentrations and atherogenic indices in overweight and obese individuals. We conducted a systematic literature search from 2000 until July 2016. PubMed, Scopus, Cochran Library, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched for clinical trials written in English. Placebo controlled clinical trials on calcium or calcium with vitamin D supplement in overweight and obese indiciduals were considered. Finally, 11 clinical trials met the criteria and were included. Most studies (n = 9) evaluated Ca/D co-supplementation. Positive effects of calcium supplementation alone or with vitamin D were as follows: serum levels of total cholesterol (TC; n = 1), triglyceride (TG) concentrations (n = 1), serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; n = 5) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; n = 3). Seven clinical trials reported atherogenic indices and three of them demonstrated beneficial effects of calcium supplementation on at least one atherogenic index. Calcium supplementation may not be helpful to reduce serum levels of TC and TG in overweight and obese individuals. However, it may modulate LDL-C and HDL-C concentration. More studies are warranted to clarify the effects of calcium supplementation on each atherogenic index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous trials have reported beneficial effects of isolated and complex fiber supplements in obesity treatment. However, recommending fiber supplements in obese subjects remains controversial. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has updated the data on the effects of fiber supplements on obesity since 2010 and the need exists for a systematic review on this topic. Accordingly, a systematic review was undertaken to summarize the efficacy of different types of fiber supplements as a complementary treatment for weight management. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar between January 2010 to August 2016 with no language restriction. Considering the inclusion/exclusion criteria and quality assessment score, finally 17 clinical trials met the eligibility criteria and were included. Results: The present study indicated that the efficacy of various fiber supplements on losing weight is variable. Several mechanisms related to physicochemical properties of fibers such as solubility, fermentability and viscosity rates can be involved in their anti-obesity effects. Dextrin, Mannan (gum Arabic) and pectin-rich fiber (lupin kernel) with no dietary interventions indicated a reduction in body weight and energy intake, while from clinical point of view, their effects were not considerable. Conclusion: Overall, findings indicated that the efficacy of fiber supplements on obesity management is dependent on their contents and physicochemical properties. It seems that fiber supplements with no weight-loss interventions did not have considerable antiobesity effects. However, due to limited studies on each type of fiber, findings should be declared by caution. Additional research is needed on comparison of different fiber supplements in similar conditions to clarify the best type and dosage of fiber supplement as a complementary therapy in obesity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) is contradictory. This study is a systemic review of cohort studies that have focused on the association between the LCD score and DM. We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar for papers published through January 2017 with no language restrictions. Cohort studies that reported relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for DM were included. Finally, 4 studies were considered for our meta-analysis. The total number of participants ranged from 479 to 85 059. Among 4 cohort studies, 8 081 cases with DM were observed over follow-up durations ranging from 3.6 to 20 years. A marginal significant association was observed between the highest LCD score and the risk of DM (RR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.9, 1.51). Moreover, the RRs for studies with energy adjustments showed a significant association (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.49; I²: 0%). Based on our findings, study qualities score of less or equal to 7 had a significant influence on the pooled effect size (RR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.49; I²: 0%), whereas the overall RR in the studies with quality score more than 7 was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.63). In conclusion, we have found that the highest LCD score was marginally associated with the risk of DM. However, more prospective cohort studies are needed to clarify the effects of the LCD score on the risk of DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) oil with calorie restriction on insulin resistance with regard to adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 (PPAR-γ2) gene polymorphisms in obese women. In this double-blind, placebocontrolled, randomized, clinical trial, 100 volunteer obese women were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into an intervention and a placebo group. Each group received a low-calorie diet either with NS oil or placebo for 8 weeks. Pro/Pro, Pro/Ala, TT, TG and GG genotypes were found in 77, 23, 72, 24 and 4%, of the women, respectively. Comparison between the two groups indicated that body weight decreased significantly in the NS group compared to the placebo group independent of the genotypes (-5.1 vs. -2.9 kg; p<0.01). There were significant differences in changes of insulin concentrations (-5.7 vs. -1.7µU/mL; p<0.01) and insulin resistance (HOMA: -1.4 vs. -0.4; p<0.01) in participants with the Pro/Ala vs. Pro/Pro polymorphism in the NS group. In combination with calorie restriction, NS oil decreased weight, independent of the genotypes, but its lowering effect on insulin concentrations and insulin resistance was influenced by the Pro/Ala genotype. More studies are needed to elucidate gene/ intervention interactions on obesity phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify common barriers to physical activity practice among overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran and their associations with physical activity level. In this cross-sectional study, 146 overweight/obese volunteers with type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetes clinics in Tabriz, Iran, between July 2012 and March 2013. A Persian version of the long-format International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity level. A 12-item structured questionnaire was designed to assess physical activity barriers. The validity and reliability of the latter scale were assessed by related measures. An exploratory factor analysis with the principal component analysis extraction method and varimax rotation was performed to extract the underlying factors. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between barriers and physical activity level. About 73% of patients had moderate physical activity. Factor analysis yielded four factors as barriers to physical activity including: (i) negative attitude towards physical activity, (ii) discouragement, (iii) physical problems and (iv) cost/environmental factors. These factors explained about 51% of the total variance. There was a negative relationship between the factor 'physical problems' and physical activity level ( P = 0.024). Overall, there were some barriers to physical activity. Health counsellors should address these barriers to increase the patients' adherence to physical activity recommendations. Physical conditions of the patients must be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of commonly used predictive formulas of resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared to measured RMR in normal and overweight young females.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 98 female university students aged 18-30 years with body mass index 18 to 30 kg/m(2) were recruited. Anthropometric indices and body compositions were measured. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry (FitMate, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) and estimated by 11 predictive formulas. The accuracy of the RMR formulas and mean percentage differences between estimated and measured values were calculated. Paired t test was used to compare estimated and measured RMRs.Result: There were no significant differences between measured and estimated RMR by the 4 commonly used formulas (Mifflin, Cunningham, and World Health Organization [WHO]/Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO]). Among all of the equations, the Mifflin formula showed the lowest bias (-2.97 ± 116.43 kcal/day) at the group level and was the most accurate formula (80.23%) in normal and overweight participants. The over- and underestimated values were about 14% and 5.5%, respectively. In normal and overweight females, Mifflin was the most accurate formula, with 75.51% and 84.61% accuracy, respectively.Conclusion: Given the current lack of a standardized formula that consistently delivers accurate results, the Mifflin formula can be recommended for estimating energy requirements in normal and overweight females in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objective: This study investigated the effect of breastfeeding on cardio respiratory fitness (CRF) in students of Kermanshah, Iran.Methods and Materials: In this retrospective cohort study, 246 students with the mean ± SD age of 7.28 ± 0.50 years, mean breastfeeding ± SD duration of 8.20 ± 10.26 months, and body mass index (BMI) of 16.96 ± 3.03 kg/m(2) participated. Students had no CVD, liver or kidney diseases. Children were categorized in three groups of over 6 months breast-fed (>6 months group), less than 6 months breast-fed (≤6 months group), and formula group. The physician measured CRF calculating VO2 max; and reported the results as fitness or no fitness. The probable confounders were gender, BMI, fat-free mass, fat mass, mother's BMI, dietary Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) and folate, beginning time of supplementary nutrition, physical activity, and birth weight.Results: Breastfeeding more than 6 months was positively associated with CRF (p value < 0.001) before and after adjustment for confounders. The risk ratio (RR) of no CRF was 3.22 times more than >6 months group. VO2 max (ml/kg/min) was significantly the highest in >6 months group (p value = 0.001).Conclusion: Breastfeeding more than 6 months has positive effects on CRF, and the early nutrition may be a predictor for adolescence physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction: A growing number of studies have thus far showed the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and the intestinal microbiome homoeostasis. As reported, the gut microflora can be significantly different in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) compared to those in healthy individuals. Methods: The authors collected the relevant articles published until 2022 and these are carefully selected from three scientific databases based on keywords. Discussion: This review highlights research on the anti-diabetic properties of berberine (BBR)-induced glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), as a glucose-lowering factor and a balance regulator in the microbial flora of the intestines, which plays an important role in adjusting the signalling pathways affecting insulin secretion. Results: Considering the anti-diabetic characteristics of the BBR-induced GLP-1, BBR makes a promising complementary treatment for reducing the clinical symptoms of DM by reducing the hyperglycaemia. Berberin might be a safe and effective drug for T2DM with little or no adverse effects. Highlights Berberine induces GLP-1 insulin secretion by PLC2 pathway in the intestinal Berberine-induced GLP-1 decreases mitochondrial stress and relocates cytochrome c out of the mitochondria. Berberine induces GLP-1 secretion in the intestine by altering the bacterial profile, thus could possibly lighten diabetes symptoms Berberine-induced SCFA production, SCFA causes GLP-1 secretion from the intestinal L-Cell. Preventing mitochondrial damage, reducing adipose tissue fat, and reducing oxidative stress are thus among the results of BBR-induced GLP-1. The lower costs of BBR, and its limited side effects and higher availability, make it a promising supplementary medicine for DM Berberine induces GLP-1 insulin secretion by PLC2 pathway in the intestinalBerberine-induced GLP-1 decreases mitochondrial stress and relocates cytochrome c out of the mitochondria.Berberine induces GLP-1 secretion in the intestine by altering the bacterial profile, thus could possibly lighten diabetes symptomsBerberine-induced SCFA production, SCFA causes GLP-1 secretion from the intestinal L-Cell.Preventing mitochondrial damage, reducing adipose tissue fat, and reducing oxidative stress are thus among the results of BBR-induced GLP-1.The lower costs of BBR, and its limited side effects and higher availability, make it a promising supplementary medicine for DM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is categorized as one of the life-threatening disease in the world, which has recently been associated with a significant increase in the incidence and prevalence rate. Hence, the discovery of effective approaches for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment for cancer has been prioritized by oncology researchers. In recent decades, mesenchymal stem cells show great potential to advance the field of regenerative medicine and oncology research due to representing prominent characteristics. Recently, studies indicate that mesenchymal stem cells can play an important role by secreting extracellular vesicles like exosomes in modulating the biological functions of target cells through paracrine regulation. Indeed, the exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells can represent the same therapeutic potential as parent cells with fewer side effects. Therefore, it can be demonstrated that exosomes can be a suitable drug delivery candidate in regenerative medicine and targeted therapy. It is also noteworthy that as the use of exosome therapy becomes more common in clinical studies, the importance of improving basic criteria such as safety, efficiency, and quality of stem cell products will also be highlighted. Based on this concept, the good manufacturing practice principles were put forward to examine the standard of cell products from different qualitative and quantitative aspects to progress the cell therapy. In other words, the principles of good manufacturing practice should be observed not only in the extraction and isolation of stem cells but also in the extraction of products related to stem cells such as exosomes in the field of treatment., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.)

Natural killer (NK) cells are a part of a sophisticated immune system that is necessary for the skin because it is a crucial organ that is continually exposed to environmental influences. Recent studies have shown that NK cell incorporation into three-dimensional (3D) organotypic culture systems for human skin stem cells provides a physiologically relevant environment to study the interactions between immune cells and skin cells, making it a powerful tool for simulating skin diseases and researching these interactions. It has been shown that adding NK cells to 3D organotypic culture systems can improve keratinocyte differentiation and control inflammation in a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. In order to increase our knowledge of skin diseases and immune cell interactions, this work intends to propose an optimum approach for adding NK cells to a 3D organotypic culturing system for human skin stem cells. By better comprehending these relationships, researchers hope to develop novel treatments for skin diseases that are more effective and cause fewer side effects than current treatments. To completely understand the mechanisms underlying these interactions and to create new treatments for skin diseases, more research is required. In conclusion, NK cell integration into 3D organotypic culture systems offers a potent tool to investigate immune cell interactions with skin cells in a physiologically appropriate setting, which may result in major improvements in the treatment of skin diseases., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.)

Background: Support for breastfeeding is a public health priority. One of the major factors that can negatively affect breastfeeding is the lack of breast milk. There are many instructions on the subject of breast milk in Iranian traditional medicine resources. This article attempts to investigate causes and reasons for the lack of breast milk from the perspective of the great scholars in this field., Methods: This study reviews the literature based on the Iranian traditional medicine. The literature review included traditional medicine resources and a survey of reputable databases using keywords such as "morzae", "sady", "pestan", "sheer", "sheerkhar", and "hifzossehhe". The content analysis was used after collecting data., Results: According to the viewpoint stated in traditional medicine literature, the primary substance for milk production is blood that transforms to milk after crossing the breast glandular tissue. The main causes of milk shortage can be classified into four categories, namely food-related factors, factors related to blood impaired, factors related to breast tissue and psychological and physical factors. One of the main reasons for milk shortage is the impaired quality and quantity of food. Appropriate mizaj of breast tissue is required for adequate milk production as it develops sufficient ability to absorb and transform the substance into milk. On the other hand, the ability of breast tissue is greatly influenced by the main organs of the body, particularly the heart; being the core of understanding psychological factors. Thus, psychological factors can have a significant effect on the process of milk production., Conclusion: Due to the importance of breastfeeding, reflection on other viewpoints, such as those mentioned in Iranian traditional medicine, could pave the way towards new research areas. It could also steer policies towards an extra focus on breastfeeding by mothers.