Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Indices and the Severity of Symptoms in Male Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia

Objectives: Hypovitaminosis D is suggested to be related to the high risk of metabolic disorders and symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic indices and the severity of symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with schizophrenia (N=42) were randomly assigned to 2 groups, i.e., intervention (2000 IU of vitamin D daily; n=21) and placebo groups (n=21). The intervention was administered for 8 weeks. Anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory measures were assessed at both baseline and end of the trial. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was performed to assess the schizophrenia symptoms. Results: Vitamin D supplementation leads to a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (P=0.006). In addition, a significant improvement was found in the PANSS negative subscale score (PANSS-NSS) and PANSS total score (PANSS-TS; P=0.005 and P=0.015, respectively). At the baseline, there was a significant negative correlation between PANSS-NSS, PANSS positive subscale score (PANSS-PSS), and PANSS-TS with serum levels of vitamin D (r=-0.42, P=0.010; r=-0.34, P=0.041; and r=-0.47, P=0.004, respectively). Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation may have helpful efficacy on some cardio-metabolic indices and schizophrenia severity

Vitamin D deficiency prevention policies in Iran: a retrospective policy analysis

AimIran has a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) than the global level. This study aimed to assess VDD prevention policies in Iran through a policy analysis of agenda setting using the multiple streams framework (MSF).MethodsUsing Kingdon's MSF model, this qualitative analytical study performed a policy analysis on vitamin D-related policies in Iran. The policy documents were reviewed, and in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders (n = 27) using the framework analysis method. To categorize data and extract the related themes, MAXQDA version 10 was used.ResultsAccording to Kingdon's MSF theory, the problem stream included the high prevalence of VDD among Iranian infants (23.3%), adolescents (76%), and adults (59.1%). The policy stream was identified to focus on preventing programs for non-communicable diseases in the health sector. The political stream indicated that national and international support could provide a political climate for this issue.ConclusionAccording to our results, a window of opportunity for policymaking on VDD prevention has opened. However, there are some challenges related to the implementation of these policies. These include the dominance of a treatment-based view rather than a prevention-based approach in the health sector, economic problems, and restricted access to health services due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To strengthen and implement VDD prevention policies, the stakeholders need support from high-level policymakers

Inhibitory Effect of Hydroxymethylfurfural in Viability of BALB/C Mice Splenocytes

Background: This study was designed to discover if hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) exposure modifies cell proliferation and DNA damage in BALB/c mice splenocytes. Methods: Mitogenesis in T cells and B cells was induced by Concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The colorimetric tetrazolium assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. DNA damaging consequences were evaluated via measurement of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level in BALB/c mice splenocytes. Results: Spleen cells proliferation elicited by ConA, was dramatically suppressed by 25, 50 and 100 mM of HMF. However, there was not any significant difference between various concentrations of HMF. The same result was observed following treatment with LPS and HMF in different concentrations. Eight-OHdG concentration was elevated significantly in HMF treated groups compared with untreated control and mitogens. Conclusion: HMF was found to have immunosuppressing and DNA damaging properties in mM concentrations in mice splenocytes

Effects of Astaxanthin supplementation on selected metabolic parameters, anthropometric indices, Sirtuin1 and TNF-α levels in patients with coronary artery disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundAtherosclerosis can develop as a result of an increase in oxidative stress and concurrently rising levels of inflammation. Astaxanthin (AX), a red fat-soluble pigment classified as a xanthophyll, may be able to prevent the vascular damage induced by free radicals and the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. The objective of the current study is to assess the effects of AX supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsThis randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 50 CAD patients. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to intake either AX supplements (12 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Lipid profile, glycemic parameters, anthropometric indices, body composition, Siruin1 and TNF-α levels were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.ResultsBody composition, glycemic indices, serum levels of TNF-α, Sirtuin1 did not differ substantially between the AX and placebo groups (p > 0.05). The data of AX group showed significant reduction in total cholesterol (−14.95 ± 33.57 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and LDL-C (−14.64 ± 28.27 mg/dl, p < 0.05). However, TG and HDL-C levels could not be affected through AX supplementation.ConclusionOur results suggest that AX supplementation play a beneficial role in reducing some components of lipid profile levels. However, further clinical investigations in CAD patients are required to obtain more conclusive findings.Clinical trial registrationwww.Irct.ir., identifier IRCT20201227049857N1

Association of S100B Serum Levels with Metabolic Syndrome and its Components

Introduction: We aimed to compare serum levels of S100B between patients with metabolic syndrome and healthy subjects and to investigate the association of S100B with components of the metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this study, 44 patients with metabolic syndrome and 44 healthy subjects participated. The participants’ body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Serum levels of low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, insulin, S100B protein were determined by enzymatic and ELISA methods. Results: The participants with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher levels of S100B than those in the control group (p < 0.0001). Serum levels of S100B protein were positively correlated with abdominal obesity (rho = 0.26; p = 0.01) and serum levels of triglyceride (rho = 0.26; p = 0.01). Moreover, serum levels of S100B were higher in subjects with abdominal obesity (p = 0.02), with higher serum triglyceride levels (p = 0.03) and with hypertension (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The findings indicate that there may be a link between S100B protein with abdominal obesity and serum levels of triglycerides. This warrants further research to elucidate whether increased S100B levels in patients with metabolic syndrome are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders

Serum S100B is related to insulin resistance and zinc-α2-glycoprotein levels in patients with chronic schizophrenia

Abstract Background Elevated serum levels of S100B may associate with insulin resistance and other metabolic complication in schizophrenia patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum S100B levels with cardiometabolic parameters, serum levels of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), and the severity of schizophrenia symptoms in schizophrenic patients. We recruited 42 patients with chronic schizophrenia. The participant's body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Serum levels of low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c and HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, S100B, and ZAG levels were determined. The Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) was used to quantify insulin resistance (IR) and the severity of schizophrenia was measured using a positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) score. Results The results showed that the mean serum S100B levels increased significantly with increasing HOMA-IR and ZAG levels (β = 0.595, 95% confidence interval (CI) (8.722 to 26.002), p < 0.001; and β = 0.334, 95% CI 0.067 to 0.525, p = 0.013 respectively). Patients under treatment with atypical antipsychotic medications (AAPM) had lower serum S100B levels (p = 0.035). Conclusion Our results suggest that alteration in glucose metabolism and ZAG secretion may increase serum S100B levels in patients with schizophrenia

Augmented Plasma Adiponectin after Prolonged Fasting During Ramadan in Men

Background: Intermittent fasting during Ramadan entails major changes in metabolism and energy expenditure. This study sought to determine effect of the Ramadan fasting on serum levels of adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as two inter-related peptides involved in cells sensitivity to insulin and glucose metabolism. Methods: Total of seventy healthy men, with age range equal or greater than 30, with at least three type2 diabetes mellitus (DM) risk factors were selected. Serum lipid profile, anthropometric indices and plasma glucose levels were determined using conventional methods. Also, serum adiponectin and TNF- α concentrations were assessed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data were analyzed by paired t-test. Results: Ramadan fasting resulted in a significant increase of serum adiponectin (P< 0.000), fasting glucose (P< 0.000) and triglycride (P< 0.001). Body mass index was lowered during the fasting (P< 0.000). Finally, no remarkable decrease was found in serum TNF-α levels (P= 0.100). Conclusion: Ramadan fasting resulted in augmented adiponectin levels which may help in improving metabolic stress induced by insulin resistance in men with predisposing factors of type2 DM