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Maturitas Jun 2013Dietary supplements are popular among patients with prostate cancer (PC). The objective of this systematic review was to critically examine double-blind,... (Review)
Review
Dietary supplements are popular among patients with prostate cancer (PC). The objective of this systematic review was to critically examine double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of non-herbal dietary supplements and vitamins (NHDS) for evidence that prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were reduced in PC patients. Five databases were searched from their inception through December 2012 to identify studies that met our inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane tool. Eight RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were of high methodological quality. The following supplements were tested: isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and glycitein), minerals (Se) or vitamins (vitamin D) or a combination of antioxidants, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, lycopenes, minerals (Se, Zn, Cu, and Mg), phytoestrogens, phytosterols, vitamins (B2, B6, B9, B12, C, and E), and other substances (CoQ10 and n-acetyl-l cysteine). Five RCTs reported no significant effects compared with placebo. Two RCTs reported that a combination of antioxidants, isoflavones, lycopenes, minerals, plant oestrogens and vitamins significantly decreased PSA levels compared with placebo. One RCT did not report differences in PSA levels between the groups. In conclusion, the hypothesis that dietary supplements are effective treatments for PC patients is not supported by sound clinical evidence. There are promising data for only two specific remedies, which contained a mixture of ingredients, but even for these supplements, additional high quality evidence is necessary before firm recommendations would be justified.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Antioxidants; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Male; Minerals; Plant Extracts; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Neoplasms; Trace Elements; Vitamins
PubMed: 23567264
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.03.006 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Brassinosteroids (BRs), the sixth major phytohormone, can regulate plant salt tolerance. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of BRs on plant salt... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Promotion of Ca Accumulation in Roots by Exogenous Brassinosteroids as a Key Mechanism for Their Enhancement of Plant Salt Tolerance: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
Brassinosteroids (BRs), the sixth major phytohormone, can regulate plant salt tolerance. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of BRs on plant salt tolerance, generating a large amount of research data. However, a meta-analysis on regulating plant salt tolerance by BRs has not been reported. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis of 132 studies to elucidate the most critical physiological mechanisms by which BRs regulate salt tolerance in plants from a higher dimension and analyze the best ways to apply BRs. The results showed that exogenous BRs significantly increased germination, plant height, root length, and biomass (total dry weight was the largest) of plants under salt stress. There was no significant difference between seed soaking and foliar spraying. However, the medium method (germination stage) and stem application (seedling stage) may be more effective in improving plant salt tolerance. BRs only inhibit germination in Solanaceae. BRs (2 μM), seed soaking for 12 h, and simultaneous treatment with salt stress had the highest germination rate. At the seedling stage, the activity of Brassinolide (CHO) was higher than that of Homobrassinolide (CHO), and post-treatment, BRs (0.02 μM) was the best solution. BRs are unsuitable for use in the germination stage when Sodium chloride is below 100 mM, and the effect is also weakest in the seedling stage. Exogenous BRs promoted photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activity increased the accumulation of osmoregulatory and antioxidant substances and reduced the content of harmful substances and Na, thus reducing cell damage and improving plant salt tolerance. BRs induced the most soluble protein, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, Glutathione peroxidase, and root-Ca, with BRs causing Ca signals in roots probably constituting the most important reason for improving salt tolerance. BRs first promoted the accumulation of Ca in roots, which increased the content of the above vital substances and enzyme activities through the Ca signaling pathway, improving plant salt tolerance.
Topics: Brassinosteroids; Antioxidants; Salt Tolerance; Chlorophyll A; Seedlings; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38003311
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216123 -
Nutrition Research Reviews Dec 2011Tree nuts contain an array of phytochemicals including carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols and polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins (PAC)... (Review)
Review
Tree nut phytochemicals: composition, antioxidant capacity, bioactivity, impact factors. A systematic review of almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts.
Tree nuts contain an array of phytochemicals including carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols and polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins (PAC) and stilbenes, all of which are included in nutrient databases, as well as phytates, sphingolipids, alkylphenols and lignans, which are not. The phytochemical content of tree nuts can vary considerably by nut type, genotype, pre- and post-harvest conditions, as well as storage conditions. Genotype affects phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes and phytosterols, but data are lacking for many other phytochemical classes. During the roasting process, tree nut isoflavones, flavanols and flavonols were found to be more resistant to heat than the anthocyanins, PAC and trans-resveratrol. The choice of solvents used for extracting polyphenols and phytosterols significantly affects their quantification, and studies validating these methods for tree nut phytochemicals are lacking. The phytochemicals found in tree nuts have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antiviral, chemopreventive and hypocholesterolaemic actions, all of which are known to affect the initiation and progression of several pathogenic processes. While tree nut phytochemicals are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans, the number of intervention trials conducted to date is limited. The objectives of the present review are to summarise tree nut: (1) phytochemicals; (2) phytochemical content included in nutrient databases and current publications; (3) phytochemicals affected by pre- and post-harvest conditions and analytical methodology; and (4) bioactivity and health benefits in humans.
Topics: Agriculture; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antioxidants; Antiviral Agents; Humans; Magnoliopsida; Nuts; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Trees
PubMed: 22153059
DOI: 10.1017/S095442241100014X -
Journal of Clinical Lipidology 2017Cinnamon is a rich botanical source of polyphenols, whose positive effects on blood lipid concentrations have been hypothesized, but have not been conclusively studied. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cinnamon is a rich botanical source of polyphenols, whose positive effects on blood lipid concentrations have been hypothesized, but have not been conclusively studied.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to systematically review and evaluate the effect of administration of cinnamon on blood lipid concentrations.
METHODS
We assessed 13 randomized controlled trials with 750 participants investigating the effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood lipid concentrations. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect models, with weighted mean differences (WMDs; with 95% confidence interval [CI]) for endpoints calculated using a random effects model.
RESULTS
No statistically significant effect of cinnamon was observed on blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD: -0.16 mmol/L [-6.19 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.35, 0.03 [-13.53, 1.16], P = .10) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; WMD: 0.05 mmol/L [1.92 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.03, 0.12 [-0.03, 4.64], P = .21) concentrations. However, a statistically significant reduction in blood triglycerides (WMD: -0.27 mmol/L [-23.91 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.39, -0.14 [-34.54, -12.40], P < .01) and total cholesterol concentrations (WMD: -0.36 mmol/L [-13.92 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.63, -0.09 [-24.36, -3.48], P < .01) was observed. HDL-C was significantly elevated after the omission of 1 study (WMD: 0.04 mmol/L [1.54 mg/dL], 95% CI: 0.03, 0.06 [1.16, 2.32], P < .01) during our sensitivity analysis. A meta-regression analysis was conducted, and no significant association was found between changes in lipid parameters and cinnamon dose. In contrast, changes in blood levels of total cholesterol (slope: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.16; P < .01), LDL-C (slope: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.10; P = .05) and triglycerides (slope: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.09; P < .01) were significantly and positively associated with the duration of supplementation. No statistically significant association was found between blood HDL-C changes and duration of supplementation.
CONCLUSION
Cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced blood triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations without any significant effect on LDL-C and HDL-C.
Topics: Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Humans; Lipids; Phytosterols; Polyphenols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides
PubMed: 28887086
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2017.08.004 -
Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Dec 2023Plant sterols/stanols are effective cholesterol-lowering agents. However, it is unclear whether the apolipoprotein E () genetic variants influence it. We investigated... (Review)
Review
Plant sterols/stanols are effective cholesterol-lowering agents. However, it is unclear whether the apolipoprotein E () genetic variants influence it. We investigated whether genetic variants modulate the responses of blood lipids to dietary intervention plant sterols/stanols in adults and if the intervention dose and duration, as well as the age and status of participants, influence this effect. Randomized clinical trials were identified by searching databases in the Cochrane Library. Random-effect models were used to estimate the pooled effect size of each outcome of interest total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to investigate the effects of potential modifiers on the outcomes of interest. Eleven articles were selected from 3,248 retrieved abstracts. Plant sterol/stanol intervention was associated with a more significant reduction in LDL levels in the E3 group [-0.251 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), -0.488 to -0.015] compared with both the E4 and E2 groups. In E4 carriers, the plant sterol/stanol intervention dose and duration resulted in a larger decrease in LDL levels (-0.088027 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.154690 to -0.021364). In conclusion, genetic variants affected the response of blood LDL levels to supplementation with plant sterols/stanols, as individuals with E3 variant showed significantly decreased LDL levels compared with the other genotypes. However, future studies recruiting participants according to their genetic variants are needed to confirm our conclusion.
PubMed: 38188084
DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.377 -
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral... Aug 2015Soybean oil lipid emulsion may compromise immune function and promote hepatic damage due to its composition of long-chain fatty acids, phytosterols, high proportion of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Impact of Providing a Combination Lipid Emulsion Compared With a Standard Soybean Oil Lipid Emulsion in Children Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Soybean oil lipid emulsion may compromise immune function and promote hepatic damage due to its composition of long-chain fatty acids, phytosterols, high proportion of ω-6 fatty acids, and low α-tocopherol levels. Combination lipid emulsions have been developed using medium-chain triglyceride oil, fish oil, and/or olive oil, which provide adequate essential fatty acids, a smaller concentration of ω-6 fatty acids, and lower levels of phytosterols. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine if combination lipid emulsions have a more favorable impact on bilirubin levels, triglyceride levels, and incidence of infection compared with soybean oil lipid emulsions in children receiving parenteral nutrition.
METHODS
This study comprises a systematic review of published studies. Data were sufficient and homogeneous to conduct a meta-analysis for total bilirubin and infection.
RESULTS
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that combination lipid emulsion decreased total bilirubin by a mean difference of 2.09 mg/dL (95% confidence interval, -4.42 to 0.24) compared with soybean oil lipid emulsion, although the result was not statistically significant (P = .08). Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in incidence of infection between the combination lipid emulsion and the soybean oil lipid emulsion groups (P = .846). None of the 4 studies that included triglyceride as an outcome detected a significant difference in triglyceride levels between the combination lipid emulsion and soybean oil lipid emulsion groups.
CONCLUSION
There is inadequate evidence that combination lipid emulsions offer any benefit regarding bilirubin levels, triglyceride levels, or incidence of infection compared with soybean oil lipid emulsions.
Topics: Bilirubin; Child; Communicable Diseases; Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; Fatty Acids; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Fish Oils; Humans; Incidence; Olive Oil; Parenteral Nutrition; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Soybean Oil; Triglycerides; alpha-Tocopherol
PubMed: 25057053
DOI: 10.1177/0148607114542515 -
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and... Nov 2013Plant sterols/stanols-enriched foods possess well-documented low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol-lowering effect. However, the relative efficacy of plant... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Plant sterols/stanols-enriched foods possess well-documented low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol-lowering effect. However, the relative efficacy of plant sterols/stanols as supplements (tablets/capsules) compared with other dietary forms still needs to be determined. Our aim was to precisely identify and quantify the LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of plant sterols/stanols as supplements in contrast to food-based approaches. Eight eligible clinical trials published from January 1992 to April 2013 were identified from five databases. A random effect model was used to calculate weighted mean effect sizes for net differences in LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Among the included trials with the duration between 4 and 6 weeks, plant sterol/stanol dose ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 g/day administrated mainly with the main meals (2 or 3 times/day). Intake of plant sterol/stanol supplements decreased LDL-cholesterol concentrations by 12 mg/dL (0.31 mmol/L) (95% CI -0.39 to -0.23; P<0.000) compared with placebo. The test of heterogeneity was not significant (χ(2) , P=0.50, I(2)=0%). Further analysis showed no significant difference between the LDL-cholesterol-lowering action of plant sterols/stanols supplements (-12 mg/dL [-0.31 mmol/L]; 95% CI -0.39 to -0.24; P<0.0001) vs foods enriched with plant sterols/stanols (-12 mg/dL [-0.31 mmol/L]; 95% CI -0.35 to -0.27; P<0.0001). Plant sterol/stanol supplements as part of a healthy diet represent an effective means of delivering LDL-cholesterol-lowering similar to plant sterols/stanols delivered in various food formats.
Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Humans; MEDLINE; Phytosterols; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 24144075
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.07.006 -
Journal of the American College of... Jun 2015
Meta-Analysis Review
Topics: Diet; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL; Nuts; Phytosterols
PubMed: 26112204
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.03.595 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Mar 2018The study aims to investigate the effect of argan oil on plasma lipid concentrations through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of available... (Review)
Review
The study aims to investigate the effect of argan oil on plasma lipid concentrations through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of at least 2 weeks of supplementation with argan oil on plasma/serum concentrations of at least 1 of the main lipid parameters were eligible for inclusion. Effect size was expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Meta-analysis of data from 5 eligible trials with 292 participants showed a significant reduction in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: -16.85 mg/dl, 95% CI [-25.10, -8.60], p < .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -11.67 mg/dl, 95% CI [-17.32, -6.01], p < .001), and triglycerides (WMD: -13.69 mg/dl, 95% CI [-25.80, -1.58], p = .027) after supplementation with argan oil compared with control treatment, and plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 4.14 mg/dl, 95% CI [0.86, 7.41], p = .013) were found to be increased. Argan oil supplementation reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, larger clinical trials are needed to assess the impact of argan oil supplementation on other indices of cardiometabolic risk and on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Female; Humans; Lipids; Male; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Phytosterols; Plant Oils; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides
PubMed: 29130532
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5959 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Lipids are a large group of natural compounds, together with proteins and carbohydrates, and are essential for various processes in the body. After death, the organism's... (Review)
Review
Lipids are a large group of natural compounds, together with proteins and carbohydrates, and are essential for various processes in the body. After death, the organism's tissues undergo a series of reactions that generate changes in some molecules, including lipids. This means that determining the lipid change profile can be beneficial in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). These changes can also help determine burial sites and advance the localization of graves. The aim was to explore and analyze the decomposition process of corpses, focusing on the transformation of lipids, especially triglycerides (TGs) and fatty acids (FAs), and the possible application of these compounds as markers to estimate PMI and detect burial sites. A systematic review of 24 scientific articles from the last 23 years (2000-2023) was conducted. The results show that membrane glycerophospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol, among others) are the most studied, and the most promising results are obtained, with decreasing patterns as PMI varies. Fatty acids (FAs) are also identified as potential biomarkers owing to the variations in their postmortem concentration. An increase in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), such as stearic acid and palmitic acid, and a decrease in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, were observed. The importance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in decomposition is also observed. Finally, as for the burial sites, the presence of fatty acids and some sterols in burial areas of animal and human remains can be verified. In conclusion, glycerophospholipids and fatty acids are good markers for estimating PMI. It has been observed that there are still no equations for estimating the PMI that can be applied to forensic practice, as intrinsic and extrinsic factors are seen to play a vital role in the decomposition process. As for determining burial sites, the importance of soil and textile samples has been demonstrated, showing a direct relationship between saturated fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, and some sterols with decomposing remains.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Lipidomics; Fatty Acids; Cadaver; Phytosterols; Sterols; Glycerophospholipids
PubMed: 38256058
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020984