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Nutrients Jun 2024Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is associated with progressive changes contributing to clinical complications related to macro- and microvascular diseases. Garlic ( L.) and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is associated with progressive changes contributing to clinical complications related to macro- and microvascular diseases. Garlic ( L.) and its organosulfur components have been related to beneficial cardiovascular effects and could improve endothelial function. The ENDOTALLIUM Study aimed to evaluate the effect of the regular consumption of encapsulated purple garlic oil on microvascular function, endothelial-related biomarkers, and the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in untreated subjects with cardiometabolic alterations. Fifty-two individuals with at least one MetS component were randomized (1:1) in a single-center, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The participants received encapsulated purple garlic oil (n = 27) or placebo (n = 25) for five weeks. Skin microvascular peak flow during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia significantly increased in the purple garlic oil group compared to the placebo group (between-group difference [95%CI]: 15.4 [1.5 to 29.4] PU; = 0.031). Likewise, hs-CRP levels decreased in the purple garlic group compared to the control group (-1.3 [-2.5 to -0.0] mg/L; = 0.049). Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction in the mean number of MetS components in the purple garlic group after five weeks (1.7 ± 0.9 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1, = 0.021). In summary, regular consumption of encapsulated purple garlic oil significantly improved microvascular function, subclinical inflammatory status, and the overall MetS profile in a population with cardiometabolic alterations.
Topics: Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Male; Garlic; Female; Middle Aged; Single-Blind Method; Adult; Sulfides; Allyl Compounds; Biomarkers; Plant Oils; Endothelium, Vascular; Skin; Microcirculation; Microvessels
PubMed: 38892688
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111755 -
Nutrients May 2024Sleep disorders associated with lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits are major public health concerns. Our previous study showed that SBT2786 has a potent... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sleep disorders associated with lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits are major public health concerns. Our previous study showed that SBT2786 has a potent sleep-promoting effect on fruit flies. Fruit flies share many similarities with mammals, making them suitable model organisms for studying sleep. Thus, in the present study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to test whether SBT2786 has sleep-enhancing effects in humans. In this study, 61 participants in the SBT2786 group and 65 participants in the placebo group were analyzed. The results showed that SBT2786 increased sleep time; however, it predominantly increased light sleep and did not improve subjective sleep quality. Interestingly, mood improvement was observed. A subgroup analysis was conducted on participants with high stress levels, and results showed that these participants experienced an increase in sleep duration and an improvement in sleepiness upon waking up and reported feeling well-rested during the day. We concluded that SBT2786 may improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing high levels of stress, and that SBT2786 can be used as a dietary supplement to improve sleep and mood.
Topics: Humans; Double-Blind Method; Male; Female; Probiotics; Adult; Stress, Psychological; Sleep Quality; Bifidobacterium adolescentis; Japan; Middle Aged; Affect; Sleep; East Asian People
PubMed: 38892634
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111702 -
Nutrients May 2024Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (), cinnamon (), and black seed () consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.
Topics: Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Male; Spices; Female; Double-Blind Method; Middle Aged; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Blood Glucose; Zingiber officinale; Adult; Nigella sativa; Glycated Hemoglobin; Body Composition; Aged; Lipids; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38892617
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111685 -
Nutrients May 2024Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of on physical performance, and recovery markers after intense eccentric exercise in healthy moderately physically active volunteers. In a double-blind crossover design, participants were supplemented either with spirulina (42 mg Kg BW per day) or a placebo for 15 days before conducting an eccentric exercise protocol using the non-dominant arm. A six-week washout period was required between conditions. Performance and mobility markers such as isometric peak torque (PTQ), ligament range of motion (ROM), and perceived muscle discomfort (VAS) were assessed and blood samples (CK, LDH) were obtained at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. No significant differences were noticed between the two conditions on any of the investigated markers, indicating that spirulina supplementation has no positive effect on isometric muscle performance or alleviation of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) symptoms in the specific population.
Topics: Humans; Spirulina; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Male; Cross-Over Studies; Muscle, Skeletal; Adult; Young Adult; Exercise; Range of Motion, Articular; Healthy Volunteers; Female; Upper Extremity; Torque; Creatine Kinase
PubMed: 38892584
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111651 -
Nutrients May 2024The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke-both standardized in their... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels.
The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke-both standardized in their characteristic polyphenolic fractions-could positively affect serum lipid concentration and insulin sensitivity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and indexes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 90 healthy individuals with suboptimal cholesterol levels. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with a pill of either active treatment or placebo. After 6 weeks, the active-treated group experienced significant improvements in levels of triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) versus baseline. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), and hs-CRP also significantly decreased in the active-treated group compared to both baseline and placebo. At the 12-week follow-up, individuals allocated to the combined nutraceutical experienced a significant improvement in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, Apo B-100, Apo AI, glucose, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT), hs-CRP, several indexes of NAFLD, and brachial pulse volume (PV) in comparison with baseline. Improvements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo ( < 0.05 for all). Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.
Topics: Humans; Cynara scolymus; Dietary Supplements; Male; Female; Double-Blind Method; Plant Extracts; Middle Aged; Adult; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Cholesterol; C-Reactive Protein; Insulin Resistance; Triglycerides
PubMed: 38892519
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111587 -
Nutrients May 2024Exploring the link between genetic polymorphisms in folate metabolism genes (MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), this study evaluates the effect of B... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Methylfolate, Pyridoxal-5'-Phosphate, and Methylcobalamin (Soloways) Supplementation on Homocysteine and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Patients with Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, Methionine Synthase, and Methionine Synthase Reductase Polymorphisms: A Randomized...
Exploring the link between genetic polymorphisms in folate metabolism genes (MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), this study evaluates the effect of B vitamin supplements (methylfolate, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, and methylcobalamin) on homocysteine and lipid levels, potentially guiding personalized CVD risk management. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 54 patients aged 40-75 with elevated homocysteine and moderate LDL-C levels were divided based on MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR genetic polymorphisms. Over six months, they received either a combination of methylfolate, P5P, and methylcobalamin, or a placebo. At the 6 months follow-up, the treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in homocysteine levels by 30.0% (95% CI: -39.7% to -20.3%) and LDL-C by 7.5% (95% CI: -10.3% to -4.7%), compared to the placebo ( < 0.01 for all). In the subgroup analysis, Homozygous Minor Allele Carriers showed a more significant reduction in homocysteine levels (48.3%, 95% CI: -62.3% to -34.3%, < 0.01) compared to mixed allele carriers (18.6%, 95% CI: -25.6% to -11.6%, < 0.01), with a notable intergroup difference (29.7%, 95% CI: -50.7% to -8.7%, < 0.01). LDL-C levels decreased by 11.8% in homozygous carriers (95% CI: -15.8% to -7.8%, < 0.01) and 4.8% in mixed allele carriers (95% CI: -6.8% to -2.8%, < 0.01), with a significant between-group difference (7.0%, 95% CI: -13.0% to -1.0%, < 0.01). Methylfolate, P5P, and methylcobalamin supplementation tailored to genetic profiles effectively reduced homocysteine and LDL-C levels in patients with specific MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR polymorphisms, particularly with homozygous minor allele polymorphisms.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Homocysteine; Female; Male; Dietary Supplements; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Double-Blind Method; 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase; Cholesterol, LDL; Aged; Vitamin B 12; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Adult; Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase; Tetrahydrofolates; Polymorphism, Genetic; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 38892484
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111550 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Skeletal muscle atrophy (SMA) is caused by a rise in muscle breakdown and a decline in protein synthesis, with a consequent loss of mass and function. This study...
Skeletal muscle atrophy (SMA) is caused by a rise in muscle breakdown and a decline in protein synthesis, with a consequent loss of mass and function. This study characterized the effect of an amino acid mixture (AA) in models of SMA, focusing on mitochondria. C57/Bl6 mice underwent immobilization of one hindlimb (I) or cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury (C) and were compared with controls (CTRL). Mice were then administered AA in drinking water for 10 days and compared to a placebo group. With respect to CTRL, I and C reduced running time and distance, along with grip strength; however, the reduction was prevented by AA. Tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were used for histology and mitochondria isolation. I and C resulted in TA atrophy, characterized by a reduction in both wet weight and TA/body weight ratio and smaller myofibers than those of CTRL. Interestingly, these alterations were lightly observed in mice treated with AA. The mitochondrial yield from the TA of I and C mice was lower than that of CTRL but not in AA-treated mice. AA also preserved mitochondrial bioenergetics in TA muscle from I and C mice. To conclude, this study demonstrates that AA prevents loss of muscle mass and function in SMA by protecting mitochondria.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Energy Metabolism; Muscle, Skeletal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Amino Acids; Muscular Atrophy; Male; Disease Models, Animal; Mitochondria, Muscle; Mitochondria
PubMed: 38892242
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116056 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease in dogs, often manifested as pain, joint swelling, and lameness. Despite the lack of scientific evidence for its...
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease in dogs, often manifested as pain, joint swelling, and lameness. Despite the lack of scientific evidence for its treatment efficacy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used in dogs as a pain-relieving treatment. This randomised single-blinded cross-over study investigated the effect of TENS on gait parameters in fifteen dogs with osteoarthritis. Stance time, swing time, stride time, stride length, peak vertical force (%BW), vertical impulse (%BW*sec), and symmetry indices were obtained using a pressure-sensitive mat. TENS treatment of 80 Hz and 100 µs with an individually selected amplitude was conducted for 45 min once daily for a treatment period of seven or ten days. No significant differences were seen between TENS and placebo for any of the gait parameters. Hence, in this study, TENS did not affect gait parameters, compared to placebo. Further studies are needed to confirm the observations.
PubMed: 38891673
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111626 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Long-term hepatic damage is associated with human morbidity and mortality owing to numerous pathogenic factors. A variety of studies have focused on improving liver...
Long-term hepatic damage is associated with human morbidity and mortality owing to numerous pathogenic factors. A variety of studies have focused on improving liver health using natural products and herbal medicines. We aimed to investigate the effect of enzyme-treated ethanol extract (ETZL), which increases the content of tricin via enzymatic hydrolysis, for 8 weeks on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and fatigue compared to a placebo. Healthy Korean adult males aged 19-60 years were randomized into ETZL treatment and placebo groups, and alcohol consumption was 24.96 and 28.64 units/week, respectively. Alanine transaminase, a blood marker associated with liver cell injury, significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared to the baseline in the ETZL treatment group ( = 0.004). After 8 weeks, the treatment group showed significant changes in the levels of high-density lipoprotein and hepatic steatosis index compared to the baseline ( = 0.028 and = 0.004, respectively). ETZL treatment tended to reduce antioxidant-activity-related factors, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde, but there was no significant difference. In the multidimensional fatigue scale, ETZL treatment showed a significant reduction in general fatigue and total-fatigue-related values after 8 weeks compared to the baseline ( = 0.012 and = 0.032, respectively). Taken together, the 8-week treatment of enzyme-treated ethanol extract demonstrated positive effects on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, and mental fatigue without adverse effects on safety-related parameters.
PubMed: 38890953
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111725 -
Translational Psychiatry Jun 2024Neuroimaging studies have identified the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as one of the major targets of ketamine in the human brain, which may be related to ketamine's... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Neuroimaging studies have identified the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as one of the major targets of ketamine in the human brain, which may be related to ketamine's antidepressant (AD) mechanisms of action. However, due to different methodological approaches, different investigated populations, and varying measurement timepoints, results are not consistent, and the functional significance of the observed brain changes remains a matter of open debate. Inhibition of glutamate release during acute ketamine administration by lamotrigine provides the opportunity to gain additional insight into the functional significance of ketamine-induced brain changes. Furthermore, the assessment of trait negative emotionality holds promise to link findings in healthy participants to potential AD mechanisms of ketamine. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single dose, parallel-group study, we collected resting-state fMRI data before, during, and 24 h after ketamine administration in a sample of 75 healthy male and female participants who were randomly allocated to one of three treatment conditions (ketamine, ketamine with lamotrigine pre- treatment, placebo). Spontaneous brain activity was extracted from two ventral and one dorsal subregions of the ACC. Our results showed activity decreases during the administration of ketamine in all three ACC subregions. However, only in the ventral subregions of the ACC this effect was attenuated by lamotrigine. 24 h after administration, ACC activity returned to baseline levels, but group differences were observed between the lamotrigine and the ketamine group. Trait negative emotionality was closely linked to activity changes in the subgenual ACC after ketamine administration. These results contribute to an understanding of the functional significance of ketamine effects in different subregions of the ACC by combining an approach to modulate glutamate release with the assessment of multiple timepoints and associations with trait negative emotionality in healthy participants.
Topics: Humans; Ketamine; Lamotrigine; Gyrus Cinguli; Male; Female; Double-Blind Method; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Adult; Emotions; Young Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
PubMed: 38890270
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02977-x