Functional activities of beta-glucans in the prevention or treatment of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth-ranked cancer in the world and is associated with a large number of deaths annually. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are known as the common therapeutic approaches in the treatment of cervical cancer, but because of their side effects and toxicity, researchers are trying to discovery alternative therapies. Beta-glucans, a group of glucose polymers that are derived from the cell wall of fungi, bacteria, and etc. it has been showed that beta-glucans have some anti-cancer properties which due to their impacts on adaptive and innate immunity. Along to these impacts, these molecules could be used as drug carriers. In this regard, the application of beta-glucans is a promising therapeutic option for the cancer prevention and treatment especially for cervical cancer. Herein, we have summarized the therapeutic potential of beta-glucans alone or as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer. Moreover, we highlighted beta-glucans as drug carriers for preventive and therapeutic purposes. © 2020 The Author(s)

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: In the current meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders are assessed. Methods: The following databases were search up to March 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The quality of the relevant extracted data was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled by the use of the inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference with 95 Confidence Intervals (95 CI). Results: Eleven effect sizes from nine studies were included in the final analyses. A pooled analysis of 9 effect sizes showed a significant reduction in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score following supplementation with vitamin D weighted mean difference (WMD): -3.91; 95% CI: -5.15 -2.66), I 2 = 85.9%. Combining data from two available studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) also revealed a significant reduction in this score following the intervention (WMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.28, -1.28). In addition, there were significant increase in glutathione (GSH) through 3 studies (WMD: 180.70; 95% CI: 6.76, 354.64), and in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) through 3 studies (WMD: 90.09; 95% CI: 56.36, 123.82) after vitamin D supplementation. Combining data from five studies, we found a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after vitamin D supplementation (WMD: -1.74; 95% CI: -2.82, -0.66). Conclusions: Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that taking vitamin D supplements among patients with psychiatric disorders had beneficial effects on BDI, PSQI, GSH, TAC and CRP levels, but did not affect other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. © 2019 Elsevier Inc

The Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Parameters of Mental Health, Glycemic Control, Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk, and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of melatonin supplementation on parameters of mental health, glycemic control, markers of cardiometabolic risk, and oxidative stress in diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 diabetic HD patients, 18-80 years of age. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups to take either melatonin (2 x 5mg/day) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) 1 hour before bedtime for 12 weeks. The effects of melatonin on mental health, metabolic status, and gene expression related to metabolic status were assessed using multiple linear regression adjusting for age and BMI. Results: Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P =.007), Beck Depression Inventory index (P =.001), and Beck Anxiety Inventory index (P =.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, melatonin administration significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (β = �21.77 mg/dL, 95 CI �33.22 to �10.33, P <.001), serum insulin levels (β = �1.89 μIU/mL, 95 CI �3.34 to �0.45, P =.01), and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (β = �1.45, 95 CI �2.10 to �0.80, P <.001), and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (β = 0.01, 95 CI 0.007-0.02, P <.001) compared with placebo treated subjects. In addition, melatonin administration resulted in a significant reduction in serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (β = �1.92 mg/L, 95 CI �3.02 to �0.83, P =.001) and plasma malondialdehyde (β = �0.21 μmol/L, 95 CI �0.36 to �0.06, P =.005); also, significant rises in plasma total antioxidant capacity (β = 253.87 mmol/L, 95 CI 189.18-318.56, P <.001) and nitric oxide levels (β = 2.99 μmol/L, 95 CI 0.71-5.28, P =.01) were observed compared with the placebo. Conclusion: Overall, melatonin supplementation for 12 weeks to diabetic HD patients had beneficial effects on mental health, glycemic control, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. © 2019 National Kidney Foundation, Inc

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on anthropometric indices in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Childhood obesity is a major public health problem with a global prevalence greater than 23 . Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) supplementation may improve anthropometric indices by increased energy expenditure, attenuated appetite, elevated adiponectin levels, though current evidence is still inconclusive. � Objective The aim of this systematic review was to conduct the first comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the association between omega-3 FAs supplementation and anthropometric indices in children and adolescents. � Methods We performed an extensive online database search of the published literature using the SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases from the index date through April 2019. Six studies met inclusion criteria. Changes in anthropometric indices (weight, BMI and waist circumference) were extracted from each article. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by calculating the I2 statistic. We used the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 confidence interval. The meta-analysis was performed based on a random effects model. � Results This meta-analysis demonstrated that omega-3 FAs supplementation had no effect on reducing body weight (SMD = -0.00, 95 CI -0.26 to 0.25), BMI (SMD = -0.07, 95 CI -0.32 to 0.17) and waist circumference (SMD = -0.16, 95 CI -0.51 to 0.19). � Conclusions Omega-3 FAs supplementation did not change anthropometric indices in children and adolescents. Further large-scale studies with larger sample sizes in children and adolescents are needed to clarify the effects of omega-3 FAs. © 2020 Elsevier Lt

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: In the current meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders are assessed. Methods: The following databases were search up to March 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The quality of the relevant extracted data was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled by the use of the inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference with 95 Confidence Intervals (95 CI). Results: Eleven effect sizes from nine studies were included in the final analyses. A pooled analysis of 9 effect sizes showed a significant reduction in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score following supplementation with vitamin D weighted mean difference (WMD): -3.91; 95% CI: -5.15 -2.66), I 2 = 85.9%. Combining data from two available studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) also revealed a significant reduction in this score following the intervention (WMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.28, -1.28). In addition, there were significant increase in glutathione (GSH) through 3 studies (WMD: 180.70; 95% CI: 6.76, 354.64), and in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) through 3 studies (WMD: 90.09; 95% CI: 56.36, 123.82) after vitamin D supplementation. Combining data from five studies, we found a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after vitamin D supplementation (WMD: -1.74; 95% CI: -2.82, -0.66). Conclusions: Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that taking vitamin D supplements among patients with psychiatric disorders had beneficial effects on BDI, PSQI, GSH, TAC and CRP levels, but did not affect other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. © 2019 Elsevier Inc

The Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Parameters of Mental Health, Glycemic Control, Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk, and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of melatonin supplementation on parameters of mental health, glycemic control, markers of cardiometabolic risk, and oxidative stress in diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 diabetic HD patients, 18-80 years of age. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups to take either melatonin (2 x 5mg/day) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) 1 hour before bedtime for 12 weeks. The effects of melatonin on mental health, metabolic status, and gene expression related to metabolic status were assessed using multiple linear regression adjusting for age and BMI. Results: Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P = .007), Beck Depression Inventory index (P = .001), and Beck Anxiety Inventory index (P = .01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, melatonin administration significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (β = �21.77 mg/dL, 95 CI �33.22 to �10.33, P < .001), serum insulin levels (β = �1.89 μIU/mL, 95 CI �3.34 to �0.45, P = .01), and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (β = �1.45, 95 CI �2.10 to �0.80, P < .001), and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (β = 0.01, 95 CI 0.007-0.02, P < .001) compared with placebo treated subjects. In addition, melatonin administration resulted in a significant reduction in serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (β = �1.92 mg/L, 95 CI �3.02 to �0.83, P = .001) and plasma malondialdehyde (β = �0.21 μmol/L, 95 CI �0.36 to �0.06, P = .005); also, significant rises in plasma total antioxidant capacity (β = 253.87 mmol/L, 95 CI 189.18-318.56, P < .001) and nitric oxide levels (β = 2.99 μmol/L, 95 CI 0.71-5.28, P = .01) were observed compared with the placebo. Conclusion: Overall, melatonin supplementation for 12 weeks to diabetic HD patients had beneficial effects on mental health, glycemic control, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. © 2019 National Kidney Foundation, Inc