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Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by episodes of psychosis; major symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. More recent theories focus on particular disorders of interneurons, dysfunctions in the immune system, abnormalities in the formation of myelin, and augmented oxidative stress that lead to alterations in brain structure. Decreased dopaminergic activity and increased phospholipid metabolism in the prefrontal cortex might be involved in schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia have many side effects. Alternative therapy such as curcumin (CUR) can reduce the severity of symptoms without significant side effects. CUR has important therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial functions and protection of the nervous system. Also, the ability of CUR to pass the blood-brain barrier raises new hopes for neuroprotection. CUR can improve and prevent further probable neurological and behavioral disorders in patients with schizophrenia. It decreases the side effects of neuroleptics and retains lipid homeostasis. CUR increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and improves hyperkinetic movement disorders. CUR may act as an added counteraction mechanism to retain cell integrity and defense against free radical injury. Thus it appears to have therapeutic potential for improvement of schizophrenia. In this study, we review several properties of CUR and its ability to improve schizophrenia and minimize the side effects of antipsychotic drugs, and we explore the underlying mechanisms by which CUR affects schizophrenia and its symptoms.

Bone remodels via resorption and formation, two phenomena that continuously occur in bone turnover. The RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway is one of the several mechanisms that affect bone turnover. The RANKL/OPG ratio has a substantial role in bone resorption. An imbalance between formation and resorption is related to an increased RANKL/OPG balance. OPG, a member of this system, can bind to RANKL and suppress RANK-RANKL interaction, and subsequently, inhibit further osteoclastogenesis. The serum levels of RANKL and OPG in the bone microenvironment are vital for osteoclasts formation. The RANK/RANKL/OPG system plays a role in the pathogenesis of bone disorders. This system can be considered a new treatment target for bone disorders. Soy isoflavones affect the RANK/RANKL/OPG system through numerous mechanisms. Soy isoflavones decrease RANKL levels and increase OPG levels. Therefore, isoflavones improve bone metabolism and decrease bone resorption. Soy isoflavones decrease serum markers of bone resorption and improve bone metabolism. However, while the available data are promising, the results of several studies reported no change in RANKL and OPG levels with isoflavones supplementation. In this regard, current evidence is insufficient for conclusive approval of the efficacy of isoflavones on RANKL/RANK/OPG and further research, including animal and human studies, are needed to confirm the effect of soy isoflavones on the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway. This study was a review of available evidence to determine the role of isoflavones in bone hemostasis and the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. The identification of the effects of isoflavones on the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway directs future studies and leads to the development of effective treatment strategies for bone disorders.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and elderly populations. Design/methodology/approach Three electronic databases, namely, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus, were searched from 1990 to November 2020. Random effects model analysis was applied for quantitative data synthesis, and 6 trials with 150 participants were identified and included in the analysis. Findings Results showed an overall non-significant effect of L-citrulline supplementation on both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in middle-aged and elderly participants. However, stratified analysis indicated a significant reduction in SBP (SMD: −0.41, 95% CI: −0.84, 0.02; p = 0.06, heterogeneity p = 0.41; I2 = 10%) but not in DBP (SMD:−0.15, 95% CI: −0.57, 0.28; p = 0.51, heterogeneity p = 0.60; I2 = 0%), following longer-term (= 8 weeks) supplementation of L-citrulline. Additionally, higher doses of L-citrulline (= 6 grams) showed a marginally significant reduction in DBP (SMD: −0.38, 95% CI: −0.78, 0.02; p = 0.06, heterogeneity p = 0.50; I2 = 0%). Originality/value In conclusion, a higher dosage and longer duration of supplementation with L-citrulline may have potential BP lowering effects in populations at an increased risk of hypertension

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the autoimmune diseases characterized by the lack of self-tolerance and the formation of immune complexes and nuclear autoantigens resulting in inflammation in multiple organs. Nowadays, the major aim of SLE therapy is the control of disease activity. However, the biological heterogeneity between patients and the absence of safe and specific targeted treatments complicate the lupus management. Therefore, the potential prophylactic effects of natural therapy considering the potential side effects of classical pharmacology, also the role of diet therapy in decreasing co-morbidities and improving quality of life in SLE patients could be a promising approach to SLE disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are one of the agents that are considered for their preventive and therapeutic properties in disease activity of SLE and the related complications. The intake of omega-3 PUFAs likely has a direct relationship with improvements in inflammatory, cardiovascular, depressive, and neuromotor symptoms of the patients. The current review summarizes clinical and preclinical studies with comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to provide an update on the negative and positive aspects of the intake of omega-3 FAs in SLE patients.

Background: Sleep disturbances are common in nearly one-third of adults. Both low quality of sleep and sleep time could be related to increased obesity. An increase in visceral adipose tissue can result in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory cytokines can lead to disturbance of the sleep-wake rhythm. Therefore, weight loss may improve sleep quality and duration. Intermittent fasting diet as a popular diet reduces body weight and improves anthropometric indices. This study is performed to further investigate the effect of a modified intermittent fasting diet on sleep quality and anthropometric indices. Methods: This is an open-label randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of daily calorie restriction (control) and modified intermittent fasting (intervention) on sleep quality and anthropometric indices in women with obesity or overweight for 8 weeks. 56 participants are classified using stratified randomization based on body mass index (BMI) and age. Then participants are assigned to one of the two groups of intervention or control using the random numbers table. The sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia will be evaluated by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index respectively. The primary outcomes are chosen for the study: the difference in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, BMI, fat-free mass (FFM), body fat mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio from baseline to 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes are chosen for the study: the difference in hip circumference, the visceral fat area, percent body fat, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, extracellular water ratio, and total body water from baseline to 8 weeks. Discussion: This study investigates the effect of intermittent fasting intervention compared with daily calorie restriction on sleep quality and anthropometric indices. The information gained will enhance our understanding of fasting interventions, which can be used to improve clinical dietary recommendations. The findings will help to disclose as yet the unknown relationship between diet and sleep quality. Trial registration: The protocol was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220522054958N3), date of registration: 2022/07/08, https://www.irct.ir/trial/64510

Background: The aim of the present meta-analysis was to detect the effect of a-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Material and methods: The related records were selected from several electronic databases from the earliest date 1980 until October 2019. The heterogeneities were assessed by I 2 test (I 2 < 50%) and X 2 test on Cochrane’s Q statistic. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were considered for net change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Subgroup analyses were also conducted by baseline BP, health status, doses of supplementation, study duration and supplement utilization. Results: As a result, a total of 10 studies with 612 subjects were included in the final analysis. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation significantly reduced SBP (SMD = –0.50, 95% CI: –0.84, –0.16, p = 0.004) and DBP (SMD = –0.40, 95% CI: –0.71, –0.09, p = 0.01), compared to the controls, with the reduction of 6.1 mm Hg and 3.6 mm Hg of the mean SBP and DBP, respectively. Heterogeneities were explored in both SBP and DBP. Moreover, a statistically significant reduction in BP was detected in elevated BP and hypertensive patients as compared with the normotensive subjects. Conclusion: ALA supplementation could be considered as a BP-lowering agent, especially in subjects with higher blood pressure.

Bones as an alive organ consist of about 70% mineral and 30% organic component. About 200 million people are suffering from osteopenia and osteoporosis around the world. There are multiple ways of protecting bone from endogenous and exogenous risk factors. Planned physical activity is another useful way for protecting bone health. It has been investigated that arranged exercise would effectively regulate bone metabolism. Until now, a number of systems have discovered how exercise could help bone health. Previous studies reported different mechanisms of the effect of exercise on bone health by modulation of bone remodeling. However, the regulation of RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway in exercise and physical performance as one of the most important remodeling systems is not considered comprehensive in previous evidence. Therefore, the aim of this review is to clarify exercise influence on bone modeling and remodeling, with a concentration on its role in regulating RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway.

Background/Aims Global incidence of hypertension is estimated to be, in excess of, one billion people, and given the efficacy of soluble dietary fibers, in particular, Psyllium, to positively impact blood pressure in patients with hypertension, it is of clinical importance that consensus on its supplementation be established. Therefore, the aim of the study was systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of psyllium supplementation on blood pressure of hypertensive patients in randomized controlled trials. Methods We searched six universal databases including; Pubmed/Medline, Ovid, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus until November 2018. Both combined and stratified analyzes were conducted. A fixed-effects or random- effects model was used to assess the mean effect sizes. Results An eventual 11 trials with 592 participants were considered as eligible for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction of 2.04 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference, –2.04; 95% confidence interval, –2.82 to –1.63; p < 0.001). Whilst meta-regression highlighted that the hypotensive effect of psyllium was stronger in subjects with higher baseline blood pressure. Conclusions Given the overarching benefits and lack of reported side effects, particularly for hypertensive patients, health care providers and clinicians should consider the use of psyllium supplementation for the treatment or abatement of hypertension, or hypertensive symptoms.

Mucositis is one of the major side effects of anti-cancer therapies. Mucositis may lead to other abnormalities such as depression, infection, and pain, especially in young patients. Although there is no specific treatment for mucositis, several pharmacological and non-pharmacological options are available to prevent its complications. Probiotics have been recently considered as a preferable protocol to lessen the complications of chemotherapy, including mucositis. Probiotics could affect mucositis by anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial mechanisms as well as augmenting the overall immune system function. These effects may be mediated through anti microbiota activities, regulating cytokine productions, phagocytosis, stimulating IgA releasement, protection of the epithelial shield, and regulation of immune responses. We have reviewed available literature pertaining to the effects of probiotics on oral mucositis in animal and human studies. While animal studies have reported protective effects of probiotics on oral mucositis, the evidence from human studies is not convincing.

The skeleton is the framework and in charge of body configuration preservation. As a living tissue, bones are constantly being formed and absorbed. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are the main bone cells and balance between their activities indicates bone health. Several mechanisms influence the bone turnover and RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway is one of them. This system, whose components are part of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, exists in many organs and could play a role in bone modeling and remodeling. RANKL/RANK pathway controls osteoclasts activity and formation. In addition, they are identified as key factors on bone turnover in different pathological situations. At the same time, OPG (RANKL's decoy receptor) plays role as a bone-protective factor by binding to RANKL and prevention of extra resorption. The lack of balance between RANKL and OPG could result in excessive bone resorption. Probiotics, the beneficial microorganisms for human health, entail bones in their advantages. Recent studies suggest that probiotics could reduce inflammatory factors (for example TNF-α and IL-1β) and increase bone OPG expression. In addition, probiotics have shown to maintain bones in various ways. Although current evidence is not enough for definitive approval of probiotics' efficacy on RANKL/RANK/OPG, its positive responses from conducted studies are significant. Understanding of the probiotics' effects on RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway will help focus future studies, and assist in developing efficient treatment strategies.

Objective: The effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase protein commonly used as a marker of inflammation, is uncertain. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of cinnamon to determine the effect on levels of serum CRP, relative to controls.\ud \ud Design: Studies were identified by a search of electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Scopus before August 2018. Combined and stratified analyses were used. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and its 95% confidence interval were estimated for net change in serum CRP by using random-effects model. The heterogeneity of meta-analysis was assessed by χ2 and I2 test.\ud \ud Results: Six studies were identified, and data from 285 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed significant reductions in serum CRP (WMD: −0.81 mg/L, 95% CI: −1.36 to −0.26, p = 0.004), with significant heterogeneity between selected studies. Improvements in sub-group analysis were observed when baseline CRP levels were greater than 3 mg/dL, and in trials of >12 weeks duration. Doses

Objective: The present meta-analysis was designed to assess the effects of vitamin C supplementation on serum C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic search of the literature in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2018. The pooled Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and its 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in baseline and at the end of the trial were calculated to assess the net change in serum CRP by using random-effects model. The heterogeneity was assessed by I2 test. Combined and stratified analyses were used in the metaanalysis. Results: From 306 articles found and screened in our initial search, 12 studies were included with 446 participants in supplementation groups and 447 in control groups. The pooled effect size analysis showed a significant reducing effect of vitamin C supplementation on circulating CRP level (−0.23 mg/L, 95% CI, −0.44, -0.03, p=0.02), with a significant heterogeneity effect across the studies involved. Subgroup analyses showed that vitamin C supplementation significantly lowered CRP among trials. The most significant effect was found 1) on hs- CRP as the representative inflammatory marker (-0.43 mg/L, 95% CI -0.76, -0.1) 2) in subjects with a baseline CRP≥3 (-1.48 mg/L, 95% CI -2.84, -0.11) 3) in subjects under Conclusion: The present meta-analysis shows that vitamin C supplementation reduces serum CRP level, particularly in younger subjects, with higher CRP baseline level, at a lower dosage and intravenous administration.

Purpose: Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as a chronic disease, is on rise in parallel with other non-communicable diseases. Several studies have shown that probiotics and prebiotics might exert beneficial effects in chronic diseases including diabetes. Because of controversial results from different trials, the present study aims to assess the effects of prebiotic/synbiotic consumption on metabolic parameters in patients with type2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on randomized controlled trial published in PubMed/Medline, SciVerse Scopus, Google scholar, SID and Magiran up to March 2018. Of a total number of 255 studies found in initial literature search, ten randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean net change were calculated in fasting blood-glucose [FBG], Hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] and lipid markers (total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]). The meta-analyses was conducted using Revman Software (v5.3). Results: The pooled estimate indicated a significant difference for the mean change in FBG, HbA1c and HDL in treatment group in comparison with control group. Subgroup analysis by intervention showed a significant difference in TG, LDL and HDL (synbiotic group) and in TG, TC, FBG, HDL and HbA1c (prebiotic group) compared with placebo. In another subgroup analysis, high quality studies showed significant reductions in TG, TC, FBG and HbA1c in intervention group compared with placebo group. Conclusion: In summary, diets supplemented with either prebiotics or synbiotics can result in improvements in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic patients.

The authors have retracted this article [1] because there are fundamental errors in the data presented that undermine the conclusions drawn. All authors agree with this retraction. The authors are re-analysing their data and intend to submit a new manuscript for peer review in due course.

Besides other benefits, curcumin is getting more recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting the importance of curcumin application for chronic disease prevention. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the influence of curcumin-containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till January 2018 for eligible studies. The selected studies were evaluated for their quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and relevant data were extracted from included studies. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 confidence intervals (95 CI). Fifteen RCTs were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly decreased interleukin 6 (IL-6) (SMD â��2.08; 95 CI â��3.90, â��0.25; p = 0.02), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (SMD â��0.65; 95% CI â��1.20, â��0.10, p = 0.02), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD â��3.14; 95% CI -4.76, â��1.53, pÂ

Background Hypertension (HTN) is a ubiquitous risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. There are currently no wholly effective pharmacological therapies for subjects with HTN. However, salt substitutes have emerged as a potential therapy for the treatment of HTN. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of salt substitutes on reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), following a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods Studies were found via systematic searches of the Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Ovid, Google Scholar and Cochrane library. Ten studies, comprised of 11 trials and 1119 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. Results Pooled weighted mean differences showed significant reductions of SBP (WMD − 8.87 mmHg; 95% CI − 11.19, − 6.55, p Conclusions These findings suggest that salt-substitution strategies could be used for lowering SBP and DBP in patients with stage 2 HTN; providing a nutritional platform for the treatment, amelioration, and prevention of HTN.

The effect of cocoa consumption on blood pressure (BP) has been investigated in previous studies; however, to date, no meta-analysis has been conducted specific to middle-aged and elderly subjects. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of cocoa consumption on indices of blood pressure, in middle-aged and elderly subjects. Pubmed/Medline™, Cochrane Library™, Google Scholar™, and Scopus™ were searched until March 2019. The quantitative Jadad scale was used as the systematic assessment of bias in the included trials. We used a random effects model to estimate the pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We further conducted sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis by baseline blood pressure, follow-up duration, and mean age. Thirteen studies with 758 total participants were included in the present meta-analysis. A significant reduction in SBP by 2.77 (95% CI − 5.28, − 0.27, P = 0.03, I2 = 89%) and DBP by 1.47 mm/Hg (− 95% CI − 2.40, − 0.55, P = 0.001, I2 = 45%) were observed after cocoa consumption. Stratified analyses showed BP-lowering effects of cocoa consumption in longer-term duration and hypertensive subgroups. Our meta-analysis showed a significant inverse association between cocoa consumption and SBP/DBP. However, the analysis could not conclude any beneficial effect of cocoa consumption on blood pressure in normotensive/elevated blood pressure subjects. Therefore, further studies are warranted to affirm the efficacy of cocoa consumption for the improvement of blood pressure in elderly subjects.

The present study was designed to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that report on the effects of garlic supplementation on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. We conducted a literature search of Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to January 2018. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were estimated for net change in serum CRP. Subgroup analyses were also performed by duration of study, dose of supplementation, baseline CRP level, and the quality of studies. From 438 articles found and screened in our initial search, nine RCTs with the sum of total sample size of 363 were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the controls, garlic intake significantly reduced the concentrations of serum CRP by 0.8 mg/L (95 CI â��1.5, â��0.1, p = 0.02) with the evidence of heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses showed that garlic significantly lowered CRP by 0.82 mg/L (95% CI â��1.02, â��0.62, pÂ

The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the efficacy of oral l-citrulline supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Studies were identified by a search of electronic databases from inception to April 2018, and combined and stratified analyses were used. Fifteen trials were identified, and data from 424 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by −7.54 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): −9.44, −5.63; P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation on parameters of mental health and gene expression related to insulin and inflammation in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Forty PCOS women were allocated into two groups and treated with 1000mg omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) per day for 12 weeks. Parameters of mental health were recorded at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Gene expression related to insulin and inflammation were measured in blood samples of PCOS women.After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation led to significant improvements in beck depression inventory total score (- 2.2 ± 2.0 vs. - 0.2 ± 1.3, P = 0.001), general health questionnaire scores (- 5.5 ± 4.6 vs. - 1.0 ± 2.3, P0.001) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (- 7.2 ± 5.2 vs. - 1.3 ± 1.3, P0.001). Compared with the placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation could up-regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression (P = 0.04) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PCOS women. In addition, compared with the placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation down-regulated interleukin-8 (IL-8) (P = 0.003) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression (P = 0.001) in PBMC of PCOS women. There were no significant difference between-group changes in glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), IL-6 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in PBMC of PCOS women.Omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation was effective in improving parameters of mental health, and gene expression of PPAR-γ, IL-8 and TNF-α of women with PCOS.

Previous studies have recommended that probiotics may have blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. However, they examined all probiotic strains (multi/single probiotics) simultaneously. In respect to strain specificity properties of probiotic, the aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the role of Lactobacillus plantarum as an anti-hypertensive agent by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were used from inception until October 2018 to identify eligible trials. We used random-effects model as the preferable method to assess the combined treatment effect. We further conducted sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis. Seven studies with 653 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with the random effects model showed a significant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on improvement of SBP with no statistically significant heterogeneity (WMD: -1.58 mmHg, 95 % CI: -3.05 to 0.11) (heterogeneity P = 0.14; I² = 36 %). The overall effect in the DBP showed significant pooled estimates (WMD: -0.92 mmHg, 95 % CI: -1.49 to -0.35) with a complete homogeneity between the studies (heterogeneity P = 0.46; I² = 0 %). The findings of the present meta-analysis study support the use of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation for lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The clinical significance of blood pressure-lowering effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum supplementation is not considerable; however, given the overarching benefits evident and concurrent lack of specific side effects, further trials are warranted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum probiotics particularly for hypertensive patients.

The role of chromium as a weight loss agent remains questionable, and although previous meta-analyses findings have reported small reductions in body weight in individuals with overweight/obesity following chromium supplementation, there have been significant limitations with these findings. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence for the efficacy of oral chromium supplementation in individuals with overweight/obesity from randomized controlled trials. Studies were identified by a search of electronic databases from inception to November 2018 and combined and stratified analyses were used. Twenty-one trials from 19 studies were identified which met all inclusion criteria which were suitable for statistical pooling, and data from 1316 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed significant reductions in anthropometric indices associated with body composition; for weight loss (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.75 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.04, -0.45, P < 0.001), body mass index (WMD: -0.40, 95% CI, -0.66, -0.13, P = 0.003 and body fat percentage (WMD: -0.68%, 95% CI, -1.32, -0.03, P = 0.04) in individuals with overweight/obesity. No changes were detected in controls. Subgroup analysis showed significant improvements in weight loss and body fat percentage, particularly for study durations ≤12 weeks and doses ≤400 μg/d. Chromium supplementation was associated with some improvements in body composition in subjects with obesity/overweight. The effect size was medium and the clinical relevance of chromium as a weight loss aid remains uncertain. Further investigation from larger and well-designed randomized controlled studies, especially in patients with diabetes, is warranted.

The authors have retracted this article [1] because there are fundamental errors in the data presented that undermine the conclusions drawn. All authors agree with this retraction. The authors are re-analysing their data and intend to submit a new manuscript for peer review in due course.

Bee products including propolis, bee wax, pollen and royal jelly (RJ) have been used as medicine from ancient times. A vast number of in-vivo and in-vitro studies as well as clinical trials have been conducted to investigate potential health related properties of RJ. A growing number of clinical trials have been performed to assess effects of RJ ingestion on different metabolic markers including glycemia, with diverse results. In the current meataanalysis, we aimed to evaluate effects of RJ ingestion on glycemic markers compared with placebo and set directions for future research. Electronic databases including Scopus, Pubmed, Scholar, Cochrane, Proquest, SID and Magiran were searched and 5 eligible studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Review Manager Software was used for statistical analysis and random effects model was used for pooling data. A total of 205 participants for FPG and 130 participants for HbA1c were included. The overall analysis revealed that RJ consumption reduced FPG by 0.95 mg/dl (95% CI: −5.83 to 3.87; p = 0.69; I2 = 0%; Tau2 = 0.00) and HbA1c by 0.32 (95% CI: −0.87 to 0.23; p = 0.25; I2 = 69 %; Tau2 = 0.16) which were not statistically significant. Funnel plot demonstrated no publication bias. In conclusion, RJ supplementation did not beneficially affect markers of glycemia. However, due to methodology issues and potential confounders like diet as well as diverse populations, we recommend future studies well designed and well controlled for major confounders so we can update these data to more precise results and more accurate conclusion.

Several studies have been conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of Omega(ω)-3 on different psoriasis indices including Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, erythema, scaling, itching, area involved, and infiltration. Nevertheless, a pooled analysis of trials that evaluated these variables has not been conducted. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of ω-3 fatty acids in treating patients with psoriasis. We searched through different electronic, references of retrieved articles, and previous related reviews databases up to November 2018. Both combined and stratified analyzes were conducted. A fixed-effects or random effects model was used to assess the mean effect sizes. An eventual 10 studies involving 560 participants were considered as eligible for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in PASI score by − 1.58 (95% confidence interval (CI), − 2.24, − 0.92; P

This study compared the effects of flaxseed and fish oil supplementation on cardiovascular risk parameters in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease. Participants were randomly allocated into three intervention groups to receive either 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil or placebo (n = 30 each group) twice a day for 12 weeks. A significant reduction in insulin levels (.04) was observed following flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation compared with the placebo. In addition, a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (.02) was seen after flaxseed oil supplementation compared with the placebo and a significant increase in total nitrite (.001) was seen after flaxseed oil and fish oil intake compared with placebo. Additionally, a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (p < .001) after consuming flaxseed oil and fish oil compared with placebo and glutathione levels (.001) after consuming fish oil compared with flaxseed oil and placebo was observed. Overall, our study revealed the beneficial effects of flaxseed oil and fish oil supplementation on few metabolic profiles. This study suggests that the effect of flaxseed oil in reducing insulin and increasing total nitrite and total antioxidant capacity is similar to fish oil.

Besides other benefits, curcumin is getting more recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting the importance of curcumin application for chronic disease prevention. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the influence of curcumin-containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till January 2018 for eligible studies. The selected studies were evaluated for their quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and relevant data were extracted from included studies. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fifteen RCTs were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly decreased interleukin 6 (IL-6) (SMD -2.08; 95% CI [-3.90, -0.25]; p = 0.02), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (SMD -0.65; 95% CI [-1.20, -0.10], p = 0.02), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD -3.14; 95% CI [-4.76, -1.53], p 0.001). Though, curcumin supplementation had no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (SMD -1.62; 95% CI [-3.60, 0.36]; p = 0.10) and superoxide dismutase levels (SMD 0.34; 95% CI [-1.06, 1.74], p = 0.63). Overall, this meta-analysis suggests that taking curcumin-containing supplements may exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties through a significant reduction in IL-6, hs-CRP, and MDA levels.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials on the efficacy of NAC supplementation on positive and negative syndrome scale in schizophrenia.A meta-analysis was conducted, and studies were identified by a search of electronic databases from inception to May 2018. Combined and stratified analyses were used.Seven trials were identified, and data from n = 447 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed improvement of positive and negative syndrome scale following NAC treatment compared with placebo, for total (SMB = - 0.96) [95% CI - 1.69, - 0.24; P = 0.009], general (SMB = - 1.04) [95% CI - 1.80, - 0.27; P = 0.008] and negative (SMB = - 0.73) [95% CI - 1.29, - 0.17; P = 0.01] scores, respectively. Significant heterogeneity was found, and subgroup analysis showed significant reductions in studies with a treatment duration of ≤ 24 weeks, with a considerable effect size on total, general, and negative scores (Total SMD = - 0.83; General SMD = - 0.67; Negative SMD = - 1.09) following NAC.NAC improved all aspects of positive and negative syndrome scale in schizophrenic populations and may be more efficacious with treatment durations up to 24 weeks.

The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the efficacy of oral l-citrulline supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Studies were identified by a search of electronic databases from inception to April 2018, and combined and stratified analyses were used. Fifteen trials were identified, and data from 424 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by −7.54 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): −9.44, −5.63; P