The effects of vitamin D treatment on glycemic control, serum lipid profiles, and C-reactive protein in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose: Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and increased systemic inflammation are important risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hence, vitamin D administration might be an appropriate approach to decrease the complications of CKD. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation or treatment on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and C-reactive protein (CRP) among patients with CKD were included. Methods: Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science in November 2018 with no time restriction. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. Between-study heterogeneity was estimated using the Cochran�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: Of the 1358 citations identified from searches, 17 full-text articles were reviewed. Pooling findings from five studies revealed a significant reduction in fasting glucose (WMD: � 18.87; 95 CI: � 23.16, � 14.58) and in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) through three studies (WMD: � 2.30; 95 CI: � 2.88, � 1.72) following the administration of vitamin D. In addition, pooled analysis revealed a significant reduction in triglycerides (WMD: � 32.52; 95 CI: � 57.57, � 7.47) through six studies and in cholesterol concentrations (WMD: � 7.93; 95 CI: � 13.03, � 2.83) through five studies, following vitamin D supplementation or treatment, while there was no effect on insulin, HbA1c, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and CRP levels. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation or treatment on improving fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, triglycerides and cholesterol levels among patients with CKD, though it did not influence insulin, HbA1c, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and CRP levels. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V

Development of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for use among rural South Africans in KwaZulu Natal

Background: South Africa is experiencing a dietary and lifestyle transition as well as increased rates of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Limited information is available on the diets of rural populations. The present study aimed to characterise the diets of men and women from rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and develop a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) specific for this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by collecting single 24-h dietary recalls from 81 adults and developing a QFFQ in Empangeni, KZN, South Africa. Results: The diet of this population was limited in variety, high in plant-based foods (especially cereals and beans), and low in animal products, vegetables and fruits. Amaize meal staple (Phutu) was consumed by over 80% of subjects and accounted for almost 45% of energy intake, as well as making an important contribution to fat and protein intake. Most of the protein consumed by the study population was plant-based protein, with almost 40% being obtained from the consumption of phutu and beans. A culturally appropriate QFFQ was developed that includes 71 food and drink items, of which 16 are composite dishes unique to this population. Conclusions: Once validated, this QFFQ can be used to monitor diet-disease associations, evaluate nutritional interventions and investigate dietary changes in this population

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 alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on glucose control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases. Methods We searched the following databases till October 2017: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and assessed for quality of the studies according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and I-squared tests (I2). Twenty-four studies were included in the meta-analyses. Results The findings of this meta-analysis showed that ALA supplementation among patients with metabolic diseases significantly decreased fasting glucose (SMD -0.54; 95% CI, −0.89, –0.19; P = 0.003), insulin (SMD –1.01; 95% CI, −1.70, −0.31; P = 0.006), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD -0.76; 95% CI, −1.15, –0.36; P < 0.001) and hemoglobin A1c (SMD –1.22; 95% CI, −2.01, –0.44; P = 0.002), triglycerides (SMD –0.58; 95% CI, −1.00, −0.16; P = 0.006), total- (SMD –0.64; 95% CI, −1.01, −0.27; P = 0.001), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (SMD –0.44; 95% CI, −0.76, −0.11; P = 0.008). We found no detrimental effect of ALA supplementation on high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) levels (SMD 0.57; 95% CI, −0.14, 1.29; P = 0.11). Conclusions Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ALA administration may lead to an improvement in glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid profiles except HDL-cholesterol levels. Keywords: Meta-analysis Lipid profiles Glycemic control Alpha-lipoic acid

COVID-19 and pregnancy: A Review of current knowledge

Background: Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major health problem that is spreading all over the World. Several viral infections such as SARS, MERS, and influenza have been associated With adverse pregnancy outcomes. The question arises Whether pregnant Women are at greater risk of complications related to COVID-19 compared to other people What complications should We expect in the fetuses Whose mothers Were infected? Aims: This Review aims to provide a summary of studies on symptoms of COVID-19 and the possible risks of COVID-19 among pregnant Women, as Well as complications in fetuses and neonates Whose mothers Were infected With COVID-19. Methods: The included data Were provided from Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus Which are extracted from the published studies in English until April 2nd, 2020 that contained data on the risk of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Results: The early symptoms of patients With COVID-19 Were fever, cough, dyspnea, myalgia, and fatigue; While production of sputum, headache, hemoptysis, and diarrhea Were other symptoms Which Were less common. There is no evidence of vertical maternal-fetal transmission in pregnant Women With COVID-19. Conclusions: The clinical findings in pregnant Women With COVID-19 are not significantly different compared to other patients, and pregnant Women With COVID-19 are not at a higher risk of developing critical pneumonia compared to non-pregnant Women. Although, there has been no sign of vertical infection in infants, but maternal infection can cause serious problems such as preterm labour and fetal distress. © 2020, EDIMES Edizioni Medico Scientifiche. All rights reserved

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

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

Effects of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to determine the effect of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until August 30, 2018. Nine studies with 10 effect sizes out of 357 selected reports were identified eligible to be included in current meta-analysis. The pooled findings indicated that quercetin supplementation did not affect fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1c levels. In subgroup analysis, quercetin supplementation significantly reduced FPG in studies with a duration of �8 weeks (weighted mean difference WMD: �0.94; 95% confidence interval CI; �1.81, �0.07) and used quercetin in dosages of �500 mg/day (WMD: �1.08; 95% CI �2.08, �0.07). In addition, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in insulin concentrations following supplementation with quercetin in studies that enrolled individuals aged <45 years (WMD: �1.36; 95% CI �1.76, �0.97) and that used quercetin in dosages of �500 mg/day (WMD: �1.57; 95% CI �1.98, �1.16). In summary, subgroup analysis based on duration of �8 weeks and used quercetin in dosages of �500 mg/day significantly reduced FPG levels. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial activation among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and objective: The current systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial activation among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Methods: Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science database were searched to identify related RCTs published before 30th April 2018. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled by using the random-effect model and standardized mean difference (SMD) was considered as summary effect size. Results: Fourteen clinical trials that contained a total of 1253 participants were included in the current meta-analysis. Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased von willebrand factor (vWF) (SMD -0.27; 95 CI, - 0.46, - 0.08; P = 0.006; I2:40.5). However, we found no significant impact of vitamin D supplementation on intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1) (SMD -1.96; 95 CI, - 4.02, 0.09; P = 0.06; I2:97.4), vascular celladhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) (SMD -0.50; 95 CI, - 1.19, 0.19; P = 0.15; I2:91.2), on E-selectin (SMD -0.04; 95 CI, - 0.36, 0.28; P = 0.81; I2:78.8) and endothelin (SMD -0.49; 95 CI, - 1.18, 0.19; P = 0.15; I2:90.5). The pooled data from trials of vitamin D supplementation with dosage of �4000 IU/day (- 0.37, 95 CI: -0.65, - 0.10, I2: 73.5) significantly reduced vWF concentrations, while there was no effect of vitamin D supplementation on vWF concentrations among trials with the dosage of intervention &gt; 4000 IU/day (- 0.17, 95 CI: -0.43, 0.10, I2: 0.0). VWF concentrations significantly reduced in pooled data from trials with duration study �8 weeks (- 0.37, 95 CI: -0.67, - 0.07, I2: 60.6), but there was no effect of vitamin D supplementation on vWF concentrations among trials with &gt; 8 weeks (- 0.20, 95 CI: -0.45, 0.05, I2: 0.0). While there was no effect of vitamin D supplementation on vWF concentrations among trials with total sample size of �60 patients (- 0.03, 95 CI: -0.42, 0.36, I2: 0.0), vWF concentrations in trials with more than 60 patients decreased significantly (- 0.34, 95 CI: -0.56, - 0.12, I2: 60.9). Conclusions: Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation to patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders resulted in an improvement in vWF, but did not affect ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin and endothelin levels. © 2018 The Author(s)

Impact of lifestyle interventions on depressive symptoms in individuals at-risk of, or with, type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and Aim: Depression affects one in four individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The impact of T2DM lifestyle interventions on depression is unclear. The aim of this analysis was to examine the influence of lifestyle interventions on depressive symptoms scores in individuals at-risk of or with T2DM. Method and Results: Major bibliographic databases were searched for studies published in English from 1990 to 2015. Meta-analysis was conducted by random-effects model. Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analyses. A significant reduction in depression scores was shown for lifestyle interventions in the pooled analysis (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD): �0.165; 95%CI: �0.265, �0.064; I2:67.9%) and when limited to individuals with T2DM (SMD: �0.202; 95%CI: �0.288, �0.079; I2:72.5%). In subgroup analyses the most effective intervention methods were face-to-face individual consultations (SMD: �0.241; 95%CI: �0.403, �0.078, I2: 50.8%) with a duration of �6 months (SMD: �0.203; 95%CI: �0.381, �0.026, I2:59.9%). Interventions were most effective when delivered four times a month (SMD: �0.247; 95%CI: �0.441, �0.053, I2:76.3%). Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions were effective in improving depression among people with T2DM. ª 2016 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved