Ameliorative impact of cinnamon against high blood pressure; an updated review

High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is a vital people health challenge in both developed countries and economically developing ones. By commencing a few novel food habits, containing counting calories and observing portion sizes, individuals can lower their BPs and modulate administered drugs to regulator high BP better. Additionally, some herbal drugs may be able to lower BP. Over the past centuries, cinnamon has been consumed as a traditional remedy in China. Cinnamon, the everlasting tree of tropical medication, belongs to the Lauraceae clan. In fact, cinnamon is one of the most main spices consumed daily by people globally. The accessible in vitro and preclinical data suggest that cinnamon has anti-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, cholesterol-lowering, cardiovascular protecting, and immuno-modulatory effects. Likewise, numerous researches have demonstrated its beneficial effects on BP. In this review, therapeutic effects of cinnamon particularly on BP and on patients having type II diabetes mellitus will be reviewed

An update on diabetic kidney disease, oxidative stress and antioxidant agents.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is defined by relative or absolute deficiency of insulin secretion. Diabetic kidney disease seems to be one of the most frequent complications of diabetes mellitus. Based on evidence, increased free-radical formation and/or diminished antioxidant defenses induce oxidative stress that is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. It is evident that diabetic state induces oxidative stress through different signaling pathways as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation that attributes to the activation of various downstream signaling cascade leading to structural the way to structural and functional changes in kidney

The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: This research was conducted to assess the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) intake on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 40 subjects diagnosed with PCOS. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to intake either 100mg CoQ10 (n¼20) or placebo (n¼20) per day for 12 weeks. Gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation were quantified in blood samples of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. Results: Results of RT-PCR shown that compared with the placebo, CoQ10 intake downregulated gene expression of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LDLR) (p<0.001) and upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-c) (p¼0.01) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with PCOS. In addition, compared to the placebo group, CoQ10 supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (p¼0.03), interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p¼0.001) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) (p<0.001) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with PCOS. Conclusions: Overall, CoQ10 intake for 12 weeks in PCOS women significantly improved gene expression of LDLR, PPAR-c, IL-1, IL-8 and TNF-a

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on gene expression of lipoprotein(a) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E cosupplementation on gene expression of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done on 68 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria aged 18e40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil containing 400 mg a- Linolenic acid plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements (n ¼ 34) or placebo (n ¼ 34) for 12 weeks. Lp(a) and Ox-LDL mRNA levels were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. Lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress were quantified at the beginning of the study and after 12-week intervention. Quantitative results of RT-PCR demonstrated that compared with the placebo, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation downregulated expressed levels of Lp(a) mRNA (P < 0.001) and Ox-LDL mRNA (P < 0.001) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of women with PCOS. In addition, compared to the placebo group, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E cosupplementation resulted in a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (�22.1 ± 22.3 vs. þ7.7 ± 23.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001), VLDL- (�4.4 ± 4.5 vs. þ1.5 ± 4.7 mg/dL, P < 0.001), total- (�20.3 ± 16.6 vs. þ12.2 ± 26.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001), LDL- (�16.7 ± 15.3 vs. þ11.9 ± 26.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and total-/HDLcholesterol (�0.5 ± 0.6 vs. þ0.4 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). There were a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (þ89.4 ± 108.9 vs. þ5.9 ± 116.2 mmol/L, P ¼ 0.003) and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels (�0.3 ± 0.4 vs. -0.008 ± 0.6 mmol/L, P ¼ 0.01) by combined omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E intake compared with the placebo group. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E cosupplementation for 12 weeks in PCOS women significantly improved gene expression of Lp(a) and Ox- LDL, lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress

Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Hormonal, Inflammatory, Genetic, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration on clinical, hormonal, inflammatory, and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).Methods: The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 56 patients with PCOS, aged 18–40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 5 mg melatonin supplements (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28) twice a day for 12 weeks.Results: Melatonin administration significantly reduced hirsutism (β −0.47; 95% CI, −0.86, −0.09; P = 0.01), serum total testosterone (β −0.11 ng/mL; 95% CI, −0.21, −0.02; P = 0.01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β −0.61 mg/L; 95% CI, −0.95, −0.26; P = 0.001), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (β −0.25 μmol/L; 95% CI, −0.38, −0.11; P &lt; 0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (β 106.07 mmol/L; 95% CI, 62.87, 149.28; P &lt; 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) (β 81.05 μmol/L; 95% CI, 36.08, 126.03; P = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Moreover, melatonin supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P = 0.01) compared with the placebo.Conclusions: Overall, melatonin administration for 12 weeks to women with PCOS significantly reduced hirsutism, total testosterone, hs-CRP, and MDA, while increasing TAC and GSH levels. In addition, melatonin administration reduced gene expression of IL-1 and TNF-α.Clinical Trial Registration:www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT2017082733941N9, Available online at: https://www.irct.ir/trial/2605

Association between microRNAs expression and signaling pathways of inflammatory markers in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, as hyperglycemia has metabolic effects on the retina. Hyperglycemia induces increased oxidative stress, which stimulates inflammation pathways and promotes vascular dysfunction of the retina that leads to increased capillary permeability and vascular leakage. One of the main factors involving diabetic retinopathy is the inflammation signaling pathways. In contemporary times, microRNAs (miRNAs) are identified as functional biomarkers for early detection and treatment of numerous diseases specifically diabetic retinopathy. MiRNAs can modulate gene expression through regulation of transcriptional and posttranscriptional of target genes. With that, miRNAs can regulate almost every cellular and developmental process, including the regulation of instinct immune responses and inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of miRNAs in inflammation pathways and the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy

Molecular characterization of Escherichia coli recovered from traditional milk products in Kashan, Iran

Aim: Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) strains as emerging groups of foodborne pathogens are responsible for most foodborne illnesses. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern in STEC isolated from traditional milk products and their molecular characterization. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 samples were randomly purchased from local markets in Kashan, Iran, and evaluated for the occurrence of STEC by culturing and molecular methods. The antibiotic resistance of obtained isolates was determined by Kirby Bauer method. Furthermore, isolates were assayed for the presence of Shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2) and intimin gene (eae). Results: The incidence of E. coli in 60 ice cream, 30 yoghurt, and 26 cheese samples was 8.33%, 10%, and 11.54%, respectively. The findings showed that 11 out of 11 (100%) E. coli had both stx1 and stx2 while eae gene was not found in E. coli isolated of traditional milk products. For E. coli strains carrying stx1 and stx2, highest antibiotic sensitive levels were related to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed relationship between the presence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance. These results can be used for further studies on STEC as an emerging foodborne pathogen

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic profiles and gene expression of insulin and lipid metabolism in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome candidates for in vitro fertilization

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remarkably decreases the chance of pregnancy, which might be related to its impact on metabolic abnormalities in these patients. It is hypothesized that vitamin D supplementation influences metabolic profile of these patients and indirectly might affect fertility and the outcomes. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), metabolic profiles, and gene expression of insulin and lipid metabolism in infertile women with PCOS who were candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods This study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted among 40 infertile women, aged 18–40 years, diagnosed with PCOS and was candidate for IVF. Participants were randomly assigned into two intervention groups for receiving either 50,000 IU vitamin D or placebo (n = 20 each group) every other week for 8 weeks. Gene expression for insulin and lipid metabolism was conducted using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of women with PCOS, via RT-PCR method. Results Vitamin D supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum AMH (− 0.7 ± 1.2 vs. − 0.1 ± 0.5 ng/mL, P = 0.02), insulin levels (− 1.4 ± 1.6 vs. -0.3 ± 0.9 μIU/mL, P = 0.007), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (− 0.3 ± 0.3 vs. -0.1 ± 0.2, P = 0.008), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+ 0.009 ± 0.01 vs. + 0.001 ± 0.004, P = 0.04), compared with the placebo. Moreover, following vitamin D supplementation there was a significant decrease in serum total- (− 5.1 ± 12.6 vs. + 2.9 ± 10.9 mg/dL, P = 0.03) and LDL-cholesterol levels (− 4.5 ± 10.3 vs. + 2.5 ± 10.6 mg/dL, P = 0.04) compared with the placebo. Conclusion Overall, the findings of this trial supported that 50,000 IU vitamin D supplementation every other week for 8 weeks had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism, and lipid profile of infertile women with PCOS who are candidate for IVF. These benefits might not be evident upon having sufficient vitamin D levels. Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for clinical trials registration (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N27)