Does soy protein supplementation affect body composition in healthy exerciser adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background objectives: The effects of soy protein supplementation on anthropometric parameters and body composition indices of healthy adults is equivocal. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess the effects of soy protein supplementation on weight and body composition of healthy adults in clinical trial studies. Methods: A systematic search of literature was carried out on clinical trial studies in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane's library and ISI Web of Science Direct up until November 2017. From 492 studies initially retrieved, only 8 articles with 6, 5 and 4 arms included in the meta-analysis of the effects of soy protein supplementation on body weight, Fat free mass and Fat mass, respectively, with 120 participants in the intervention group and 119 participants in the control group. Results: Results of the fixed effect model meta-analysis showed that soy protein supplementation had no significant effects on body weight (0.94 kg, 95 CI: �2.41, 4.30 kg; P = 0.58), fat-free mass (0.6 kg, 95 CI: �0.21, 1.41; P = 0.14) or fat mass (0.43 kg, 95 CI: �2.18, 3.03; P = 0.74) in healthy exercising adults. Conclusions: Results of this meta-analysis study does not confirm any significant beneficial effects of soy protein supplementation on weight and body composition in healthy adults. © 201

The effect of saffron supplementation on blood glucose and lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Despite several studies about the effects of saffron supplementation on serum concentrations of lipid and glucose profiles, no systematic study had summarized the findings. Therefore, we conduct current study to systematically summarize findings from studies about the effect of saffron supplementation on serum levels of glucose and lipid profiles and to do a meta-analysis, if possible. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for clinical trials published in PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Cochrane's Library and ISI Web of Science from the beginning to 22 February 2019. All randomized clinical trials on the effect of saffron supplementation on serum concentrations of lipid and glucose profiles were included. Results: In overall, six studies were included in the current study. Pooled analysis of six studies for the effect of saffron on serum TG, TC and FBG concentrations and of five studies for LDL and HDL, showed a significant reduction in TG (WMD: -8.93 mg/dl; 95 CI: -16.49 to -1.37, P = 0.02) and TC levels (WMD: -5.72 mg/dl; 95 CI: -11.10 to -0.34, P = 0.03), a significant increase in HDL levels (WMD: 2.7 mg/dl; 95 CI: 0.22 to 5.18, P = 0.03), and no significant effect on LDL (WMD: -2.30 mg/dl; 95 CI: -11.73 to 7.13, P = 0.63) and FBG levels (WMD: -5.30 mg/dl; 95 CI: -14.20 to 3.60, P = 0.51). Conclusion: We found a significant reduction in serum concentrations of TC and TG and a significant increase in serum levels of HDL following supplementation with saffron. Saffron supplementation had no significant influence on serum FPG and LDL concentrations. © 2019 Elsevier Lt

The effects of grape seed extract on glycemic control, serum lipoproteins, inflammation, and body weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins, inflammation and body weight. Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until May 30, 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Fifty trials were included in this meta-analysis. Pooling effect sizes from studies demonstrated a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD): �2.01; 95 confidence interval (CI): �3.14, �0.86), total cholesterol (TC; WMD: �6.03; 95 CI: �9.71, �2.35), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (WMD: �4.97; 95 CI: �8.37, �1.57), triglycerides (WMD: �6.55; 95 CI: �9.28, �3.83), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (WMD: �0.81; 95 CI: �1.25, �0.38) following GSE therapy. Grape seed did not influence HbA1c, HDL cholesterol levels, and anthropometric measurements. This meta-analysis demonstrated that GSE intake significantly reduced FPG, TC, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP levels. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

The effects of acarbose treatment on cardiovascular risk factors in impaired glucose tolerance and diabetic patients: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Acarbose (ACB) seems to be an effective drug in the management of cardiovascular risk factors. However, no previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been done to evaluate the effects of ACB on cardiovascular risk factors on impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). We comprehensively searched electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed for RCTs for related keywords up to September 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The pooled analysis demonstrated that ACB treatment had a significant effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD = −3.55 mg/dL; 95%CI: −6.29, −0.81; p = 0.011), fasting insulin (WMD = −6.73 pmoL/L; 95%CI: −10.37, −3.10; p < 0.001), HbA1c [WMD = −0.32%; 95%CI: −0.45, −0.20; p < 0.001], body weight (WMD = −1.25 kg; 95%CI: −1.79, −0.75; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD = −0.64 kg/m2; 95%CI: −0.92, −0.37; p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (WMD = −2.70 pg/mL, 95%CI: −5.25, −0.16; p = 0.037), leptin (WMD = −1.58 ng/mL; 95%CI: −2.82, −0.35; p = 0.012), alanine transaminase (ALT) (WMD = 0.71 U/L; 95%CI: −0.31, 1.85; p = 0.164), triglyceride (TG) (WMD = −13.89 mg/dL; 95%CI: −20.69, −7.09; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = −2.26 mg/dL; 95%CI: −4.18, −0.34; p = 0.021), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = −1.29 mmHg; 95%CI: −2.44, −0.15; p = 0.027), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD = 0.02 mmHg; 95%CI: −0.41, 0.45; p = 0.925) in an intervention group, compared with a placebo group. The non-linear dose–response analysis showed that ACB reduces the TC in trial duration by >50 weeks, and 180 mg/day is more effective for the decrement of CRP. ACB can improve lipid profiles, glycemic indices, anthropometric indices, and inflammatory markers in T2D, T1D, and IGT patients

Assessment of the ratio of cross-matched to transfused blood amounts in pregnant patients in Alzahra Hospital in Tabriz before and after the implementation of the health reform program in 2013-2015

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common cause of mortality in women with vaginal or cesarean delivery. WHO statistics shows that about 500 thousands women have died of complications related to pregnancy or during childbirth in 2013. haemorrhage probability is the main reason to order blood requests in delivery and cesarean units. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ratio of cross-matched to transfused blood in pregnant women during one year before and after the implementation of health reform program.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, the requests of blood reserves for pregnant patients with the gravid of 34±7 weeks and the age of 30±16 years old in two periods, before and after the implementation of health reform program were being collected and compared. Blood group antiserums and anti-human globulins with bovine albumins were purchased from LORN company and Baharafshan Company respectively.Results: The total number of requests for reserved cross-matched blood during the year before the health reform program were 2837 units which 277 of them had been transfused and a year later the total number of requests was for 3029 units, which 270 of them had been transfused. This study showed 6.76 percent increase in requests and 2.53 percent decrease in transfusion in comparison with its past year.Conclusion: The implementation of health reform program have accompanied by relative reduction of cesarean but considerable increase in vaginal delivery, and to prevent blood loss complications, the requests for reserved cross-matched blood have been increased without noticeable change in the proportion of necessarily transfused amount of them

The effects of saffron supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world and is estimated to involve more people in the next years. It is said that alternative remedies such as herbs can be used to manage the complications of this disease. For this reason, we aimed to conduct this meta-analysis to systematically assess and summarize the effects of saffron supplementation as an important herb on cardiovascular risk factors in adults.MethodsA systematic search was done in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to find eligible articles up to September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of saffron on lipid profiles, glycemic control, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and inflammatory markers were included. In the meta-analysis, 32 studies were taken into account (n = 1674).ResultsConsumption of saffron significantly decreased triglyceride (TG) (WMD = −8.81 mg/dl, 95%CI: −14.33, −3.28; P = 0.002), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = −6.87 mg/dl, 95%CI: −11.19, −2.56; P = 0.002), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD = −6.71 mg/dl, 95%CI: −10.51, −2.91; P = 0.001), (P = 0.660), fasting blood glucose (FBG) level (WMD = −7.59 mg/dl, 95%CI: −11.88, −3.30; P = 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = −0.18%, 95%CI: −0.21, −0.07; P < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD = −0.49, 95%CI: −0.89, −0.09; P = 0.016), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = −3.42 mmHg, 95%CI: −5.80, −1.04; P = 0.005), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (WMD = −2.54 pg/ml, 95%CI: −4.43, −0.65; P = 0.008), waist circumference (WC) (WMD = −1.50 cm; 95%CI: −2.83, −0.18; P = 0.026), malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD = −1.50 uM/L, 95%CI: −2.42, −0.57; P = 0.001), and alanine transferase (ALT) (WMD = −2.16 U/L, 95%CI: −4.10, −0.23; P = 0.028). Also, we observed that saffron had an increasing effect on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD = 0.07 mM/L, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.13; P = 0.032). There was linear regression between FBG and the duration of saffron intake. Additionally, the non-linear dose-response analysis has shown a significant association of saffron intervention with HDL (P = 0.049), HOMA-IR (P = 0.002), weight (P = 0.036), ALP (P = 0.016), FBG (P = 0.011), HbA1c (P = 0.002), and TNF-α (P = 0.042). A non-linear association between the length of the intervention and the level of HDL and DBP was also found.DiscussionThat seems saffron could effectively improve TG, TC, LDL, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, SBP, CRP, TNF-α, WC, MDA, TAC, and ALT

The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: So far, no study has summarized the findings on the effects of berberine intake on anthropometric parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) and liver enzymes. This systematic review and meta-analysis were done based upon randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to analyze the effects of berberine on anthropometric parameters, CRP and liver enzymes. Method: Following databases were searched for eligible studies published from inception to 30 July 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google scholar. Necessary data were extracted. Data were pooled by the inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference with 95 Confidence Intervals (95 CI). Result: 12 studies were included. Berberine treatment moderately but significantly decreased body weight (WMD = �2.07 kg, 95 CI -3.09, �1.05, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD = �0.47 kg/m2, 95 CI -0.70, �0.23, P < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (WMD = �1.08 cm, 95 CI -1.97, �0.19, P = 0.018) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (WMD = �0.42 mg/L, 95 CI -0.82, �0.03, P = 0.034). However, berberine intake did not affect liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (WMD = �1.66 I/U, 95 CI -3.98, 0.65, P = 0.160) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (WMD = �0.87 I/U, 95 CI -2.56, 0.82, P = 0.311). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found a significant reduction of body weight, BMI, WC and CRP levels associated with berberine intake which may have played an indirect role in improved clinical symptoms in diseases with metabolic disorders. Berberine administration had no significant effect on ALT and AST levels. © 2020 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolis

Effect of green cardamom on lipoproteins, glycemic control and anthropometric parameters: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize all the existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evidence and to evaluate the effects of green cardamom on lipoproteins, glycemic control and anthropometric parameters in healthy and/or with disease types compared with the control. Method: Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until 30th July 2019. RCTs complying with the following criteria were included in this meta-analysis: human trials with either cross-over design or parallel design, trials with data on the effects of green cardamom on serum lipoproteins and glycemic control and anthropometric parameters with standard deviation and related 95 confidence interval for the both intervention and placebo groups. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Result: Seven trials were included in this meta-analysis. Triglycerides were significantly reduced after cardamom supplementation when compared with the control group. Cardamom intake from 3 small studies resulted in a significant increase in BMI when compared with the control group. However, cardamom supplementation did not have any significant effect on total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose and body weight when compared with the control group. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that green cardamom intake significantly reduced triglycerides levels which may have played an indirect role in improved clinical symptoms in diseases with metabolic disorders. © 2020 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolis

The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mental health parameters and C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background: The findings of trials investigating the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation on depression, anxiety, and C-reactive protein (CRP) are inconsistent. The current meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out to assess the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) administration on mental health parameters and CRP levels. Methods: Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until 30th July 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Results: Twenty one trials were included in this meta-analysis. Consumption of saffron resulted in a significant reduction in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (11 studies with 12 effect size) (WMD: �4.86; 95 CI: �6.58, �3.14), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (5 studies) (WMD: �5.29; 95 CI: �8.27, �2.31) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores (3 studies with 4 effect size) (WMD: �2.22; 95 CI: �2.73, �1.72). Saffron intake did not affect Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS-A) scores and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that saffron intake significantly reduced BDI, BAI and PSQI scores, but did not affect HDRS-D, HARS-A scores and CRP levels. © 2019 Elsevier Lt

The effect of saffron supplementation on blood pressure in adults:A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: The favorable influences of saffron supplementation on metabolic diseases have previously been shown. We aimed to assess the effects of saffron supplementation on blood pressure in adults. Methods: A systematic search was performed in Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane library databases to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the effect of saffron supplementation on blood pressure in adults up to March 2021. The primary search yielded 182 publications, of which eight RCTs were eligible. Results: Our results showed that saffron supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference (WMD): −0.65 mmHg; 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.18, p = 0.006) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: −1.23 mmHg; 95% CI: −1.64 to −0.81, p p-nonlinearity = 0.008). Conclusions: Saffron supplementation may significantly improve both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults. It should be noted that the hypotensive effects of saffron supplementation were small and may not reach clinical importance