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Nutrition, Metabolism, and... May 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Fasting is common in many religions and is associated with health benefits. This systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Fasting is common in many religions and is associated with health benefits. This systematic review to compares the impact of different religious fasting practices, on risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The search covered five databases following PRISMA guidelines to identify papers published in English from inception to March 2023 (updated January 2024). Inclusion criteria were healthy adults in observational studies, who engaged in religious fasting practices, studies were included where data on matched non-fasting individuals was available. Outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and fasting plasma glucose levels. A meta-analysis was conducted, and the review was registered (CRD42022352197). Fourteen studies were met the inclusion criteria with ten studies data being suitable for meta-analysis, reporting on 755 adults participating in fasting practices and 661 non-fasting controls. Religious fasting was associated with a reduction in BMI (-0.40 kg/m, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.10], p < 0.01). Observance of Ramadan fasting was associated with decreased systolic blood pressure (-3.83 mmHg, 95% CI [-7.44, -0.23], p = 0.04). The observance of Orthodox Christian fasting was associated with a reduction in TC (-0.52 mmoL/l, 95%CI [-0.64, -0.39], p < 0.01). No difference was found for the other outcomes.
CONCLUSION
This review found religious fasting practices which were associated with a reduction in some biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases risk. Further research on other fasting practices is needed due to limited data.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, HDL; Triglycerides; Cholesterol, LDL; Fasting; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38508992
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.02.002 -
BMC Pediatrics Mar 2024The relationship between Vitamin D levels and pediatric celiac disease (CD) remains controversial. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The relationship between Vitamin D levels and pediatric celiac disease (CD) remains controversial. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between Vitamin D and pediatric CD.
METHODS
We screened relevant studies from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science published in English from January 1, 2000, to August 1, 2023. The included studies were assessed according to the STROBE checklist. Heterogeneity was quantified by Cochran's Q test and the I statistic. Publication bias was estimated by Begg's test and Egger's test. Meta-regression was used to detect potential sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of 26 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Nineteen articles compared 25(OH)D3 levels between CD patients and control groups, average 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D or calcidiol], and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)D or calcitriol] levels, as the main forms of Vitamin D, there was a significant difference in CD patients and healthy controls (weighted mean difference (WMD) = - 5.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [- 10.86, - 0.69] nmol/L). Meanwhile, eleven articles reported the numbers of patients and controls with Vitamin D deficiency, there was a significant difference in the incidence of 25(OH)D deficiency between CD patients and healthy controls (odds ratio 2.20, 95% CI= [1.19, 4.08]). Nine articles reported changes in 25(OH)D levels before and after administering a GFD in patients with CD, the result of this study revealed the increase of 25(OH)D levels in CD patients after a gluten-free diet (GFD) (WMD = - 6.74, 95% CI = [- 9.78, - 3.70] nmol/L).
CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D levels in pediatric CD patients were lower than in healthy controls, and 25(OH)D deficiency was more prevalent in CD patients. We found that 25(OH)D levels were elevated in CD patients after GFD, which is consistent with previous research. Further well-designed, longitudinal, prospective cohort studies focusing on the role of Vitamin D in the pathogenesis of CD are therefore needed.
Topics: Humans; Child; Prospective Studies; Celiac Disease; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Calcitriol; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 38491474
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04688-0 -
Food & Function Apr 2024: In recent years, oats' effect on lowering serum cholesterol has been recognized. However, no systematic reviews summarized the effect of daily consumption of oat-based... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
: In recent years, oats' effect on lowering serum cholesterol has been recognized. However, no systematic reviews summarized the effect of daily consumption of oat-based products on serum lipids in patients with dyslipidemia. : We searched eight databases and two clinical trial registries from inception to July 31, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of oat-based products (≥4 weeks) on lipid levels or cardiovascular events in patients with dyslipidemia. Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies with Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2.0. We used STATA 17.0 to conduct meta-analysis and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to assess the certainty of evidence. : We finally included 17 eligible trials with 1731 subjects. The oat intervention varied from oat β-glucan-based products to oat bran-based products and wholegrain oat. Overall, the risk of bias of included trials was high or some concerns were noted because of the inadequate randomization, allocation concealment, and inappropriate data analysis method. Compared to the placebo or usual diet, one study indicated that oat-based products have no significant difference in major cardiovascular events. Pooled estimates showed that oat-based products may result in a large reduction in LDL-C (WMD, -0.24 mmol L; 95% CI: -0.33, -0.15) (moderate certainty) and TC (WMD, -0.32 mmol L; 95% CI: -0.48, -0.17) (moderate certainty). Compared to other diets (mainly other cereals), oat-based products probably reduce the level of LDL-C (WMD, -0.17 mmol L; 95% CI: -0.25, -0.08) (moderate certainty) and TC (WMD, -0.21 mmol L; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.12) (moderate certainty). Both groups showed that oat-based products had little effect on HDL-C and TG (moderate certainty). Oat-related adverse events were mostly gastrointestinal such as diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence being the most prevalent. : Oat-based products may reduce TC and LDL-C, but have little effect on TG, HDL-C, and major cardiovascular events in patients with dyslipidemia.
Topics: Humans; Avena; Cholesterol, LDL; Edible Grain; Dyslipidemias; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38441173
DOI: 10.1039/d3fo04394k -
European Journal of Gastroenterology &... Apr 2024Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation. Intermittent... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation. Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy with the ability to induce weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hepatic steatosis. We aim to compare the efficacy of different IF regimens for MASLD management. A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating different IF regimens for MASLD. PubMed , EMBASE , WOS , SCOPUS and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until 10 April 2023. Analysis was performed using R software with the meta and netmeta packages. Mean difference (MD) was used to pool continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023418467). Our meta-analysis included eight randomized controlled trials with a total of 635 participants. The 5 : 2 diet significantly improved liver stiffness (MD, -0.32; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.09; P < 0.01). Time-restricted feeding significantly improved liver steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter score) (MD, -39.83; 95% CI, -64.78 to -14.87; P < 0.01). No significant changes were observed in asparate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, low-density lipoproteins cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, basal metabolic index, blood pressure, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, fasting blood sugar, lean body mass or waist circumference across all IF regimens. However, alternate-day fasting showed positive results in anthropometric measures, including significant improvements in lean body mass, waist circumference, fat mass and weight reduction ( P < 0.05). IF regimens showed various positive effects on clinical outcomes in MASLD patients; however, these effects were not consistent. Therefore, a patient-tailored IF regimen should be considered.
Topics: Humans; Cholesterol, LDL; Fatty Liver; Insulin Resistance; Intermittent Fasting; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38407890
DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002715 -
Journal of Medicine and Life Nov 2023Dysmenorrhea, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents, significantly impairs quality of life, disrupts sleep patterns, and induces mood changes. Furthermore, its... (Review)
Review
Dysmenorrhea, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents, significantly impairs quality of life, disrupts sleep patterns, and induces mood changes. Furthermore, its economic impact is substantial, accounting for an estimated $200 billion in the United States and $4.2 million in Japan annually. This review aimed to identify the effects of vitamin D and calcium on primary dysmenorrhea. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, focusing on studies published from 2010 to 2020. Keywords included 'primary dysmenorrhea', 'vitamin D', '25-OH vitamin D3', 'cholecalciferol', and 'calcium'. The quality assessment of the articles was done using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklists, and the risk bias was assessed using the Cochrane assessment tool. Abnormal low Vit. D levels increased the severity of primary dysmenorrhea through increased prostaglandins and decreased calcium absorption. Vitamin D and calcium supplements could reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and the need for analgesics. This systematic review found an inverse relation between the severity of dysmenorrhea and low serum Vit. D and calcium.. Vitamin D and calcium supplements could reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and the need for analgesics.
Topics: Female; Adolescent; Humans; Vitamin D; Calcium; Dysmenorrhea; Quality of Life; Vitamins; Calcifediol; Vitamin D Deficiency; Analgesics; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38406773
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0248 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Apr 2024Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) have an increased risk of developing altered body composition, such as low muscle mass, and an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIM
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) have an increased risk of developing altered body composition, such as low muscle mass, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Thus, investigating how to improve body composition and CVD risk factors is a relevant topic to improve management of RA and SpA. The aim of this study was to identify dietary interventions that can improve body composition, as well as reduce CVD risk factors in RA and SpA.
METHODS
We searched the databases Medline, Embase and Cochrane. Duplicates were removed using Endnote and records were screened through Rayyan. The primary outcomes were muscle mass (kg) and fat mass (kg). Secondary outcomes were body weight (kg), body mass index (BMI: kg/m), waist circumference (cm) and lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, mmol/L).
RESULTS
A total of 4965 articles were identified, and 17 articles were included in this review, of which 15 were suitable for meta-analysis. We found a reduction in TC and LDL-C, (Mean difference, [95%CI]: -0.36, [-0.63, -0.10], I = 43%, and -0.20, [-0.35, -0.05], I = 0% respectively). Otherwise, no other significant effect was seen in either primary or secondary outcomes. The evidence was graded as moderate for TC and low for LDL-C.
CONCLUSION
Dietary interventions might reduce the levels of blood lipids, and consequently, the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, body composition did not change significantly after a 2-4 month dietary intervention. Both short intervention period and lack of reliable methods to assess body composition are possible explanations for this finding. Further studies of longer duration are needed.
Topics: Humans; Nutritional Status; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, LDL; Triglycerides; Cholesterol, HDL; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Spondylarthritis
PubMed: 38401228
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.02.019 -
BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology Feb 2024Previous studies investigating the effect of oral supplementation of paricalcitol on reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients reported... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of oral supplementation of Paricalcitol on C-reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease patients: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies investigating the effect of oral supplementation of paricalcitol on reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients reported inconsistent findings. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have analyzed and interpreted the results obtained from previous randomized clinical trials on the effect of paricalcitol on C-reactive protein in CKD patients in the literature.
METHODS
MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases were searched until January 2023 and related articles were obtained through a careful screening process allowing extraction of required data from selected articles. The effect size was calculated using a random effect model and weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I.
RESULTS
Amongst the 182 articles obtained from the initial search, 4 studies (6 arms) were finally included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis shows that C-reactive protein levels significantly decrease after oral supplementation with paricalcitol (WMD: -2.55 mg/L, 95% CI (-4.99 to -0.11; P = 0.04). The studies used in this meta-analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I = 66.3% and P = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Oral paricalcitol supplementation in CKD patients can significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels, which may prevent CKD progression.
Topics: Humans; C-Reactive Protein; Dietary Supplements; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Ergocalciferols
PubMed: 38395972
DOI: 10.1186/s40360-024-00740-y -
Reproductive Health Feb 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women, characterised by reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. While dietary approaches have been evaluated as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women, characterised by reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. While dietary approaches have been evaluated as a first-line treatment for patients with PCOS, there is limited evidence to support preference for a specific dietary composition. This systematic review and network meta-analysis was performed with the objective of comparing different dietary interventions in terms of positive impact. Metformin, the currently preferred treatment, was also compared.
METHODS
The latest systematic search was performed on the 20th of March, 2023. Eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) included patients with PCOS and compared the dietary approach with another intervention or a standard diet. Outcomes were expressed via anthropometric measurements and hormonal, glycemic, and lipid levels. The Bayesian method was used to perform a network meta-analysis and to calculate the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values in order to rank the dietary interventions. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system.
RESULTS
19 RCTs were identified, comprising data from 727 patients who were variously treated with 10 types of dietary interventions and metformin. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was the most effective in reducing Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (SUCRA 92.33%), fasting blood glucose (SUCRA 85.92%), fasting insulin level (SUCRA 79.73%) and triglyceride level (SUCRA 82.07%). For body mass index (BMI), the most effective intervention was the low-calorie diet (SUCRA 84.59%). For weight loss, the low-calorie diet with metformin (SUCRA 74.38%) was the most effective intervention. Metformin produced the greatest reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SUCRA 78.08%) and total testosterone levels (SUCRA 71.28%). The low-carb diet was the most effective intervention for reducing cholesterol levels (SUCRA 69.68%), while the normal diet (SUCRA 65.69%) ranked first for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
CONCLUSION
Dietary interventions vary in their effects on metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Based on our results, the DASH diet is the most effective dietary intervention for treating PCOS. Registration PROSPERO ID CRD42021282984.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Network Meta-Analysis; Metformin; Diet; Cholesterol
PubMed: 38388374
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01758-5 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Feb 2024Telehealth-based dietary interventions were recommended for cardiovascular disease (CVD) management during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, data regarding their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Telehealth-based dietary interventions were recommended for cardiovascular disease (CVD) management during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, data regarding their effectiveness and feasibility are limited.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to examine (1) the effectiveness of telehealth-based dietary interventions in improving clinical CVD risk factors and (2) the feasibility of these interventions among individuals with CVD.
METHODS
To conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 2 investigators searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases based on predetermined search terms and included English-language RCTs published between January 2000 and July 2022. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess RCT quality. To evaluate intervention effectiveness, weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or blood glucose were compared postintervention in telehealth and usual care (UC) groups. Feasibility was determined through the number of participants retained in intervention and UC groups. Pooled data for each CVD outcome were analyzed using a random effects model. Mean difference (MD), standardized MD, or risk ratio were calculated using R software.
RESULTS
A total of 13 RCTs with 3013 participants were included in the analysis to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of telehealth-based dietary interventions among individuals with CVD. Participants had a mean age of 61.0 (SD 3.7) years, and 18.5% (n=559) were women. Approximately one-third of RCTs were conducted in the United States (n=4, 31%). Included studies used telephone, app, text, audio-visual media, or website-based interventions. Of the 13 included studies, 3 were of high quality, 9 were of moderate quality, and only 1 was of low quality. Pooled estimates showed systolic blood pressure (MD -2.74, 95% CI -4.93 to -0.56) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (standardized MD -0.11, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.03) to be significantly improved among individuals with CVD as a result of telehealth-based dietary interventions compared to UC. No significant difference in effectiveness was detected for weight, BMI, and levels of diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides between telehealth-based dietary interventions and UC among those with CVD. There was no significant difference between the feasibility of telehealth-based dietary interventions versus UC. Significant I indicated moderate to considerable heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
Telehealth-based dietary interventions show promise in addressing CVD risk factors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Male; Cardiovascular Diseases; Feasibility Studies; Triglycerides; Cholesterol, LDL; Cholesterol, HDL; Telemedicine
PubMed: 38363635
DOI: 10.2196/49178 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2024The prevalence of gallstones varies between less than 1% and 64% in different populations and is thought to be increasing in response to changes in nutritional intake... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of gallstones varies between less than 1% and 64% in different populations and is thought to be increasing in response to changes in nutritional intake and increasing obesity. Some people with gallstones have no symptoms but approximately 2% to 4% develop them each year, predominantly including severe abdominal pain. People who experience symptoms have a greater risk of developing complications. The main treatment for symptomatic gallstones is cholecystectomy. Traditionally, a low-fat diet has also been advised to manage gallstone symptoms, but there is uncertainty over the evidence to support this.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of modified dietary fat intake in the treatment of gallstone disease in people of any age.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE ALL Ovid, Embase Ovid, and three other databases to 17 February 2023 to identify randomised clinical trials in people with gallstones. We also searched online trial registries and pharmaceutical company sources, for ongoing or unpublished trials to March 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or status) in people with gallstones diagnosed using ultrasonography or conclusive imaging methods. We excluded participants diagnosed with another condition that may compromise dietary fat tolerance. We excluded trials where data from participants with gallstones were not reported separately from data from participants who did not have gallstones. We included trials that investigated other interventions (e.g. trials of drugs or other dietary (non-fat) components) providing that the trial groups had received the same proportion of drug or other dietary (non-fat) components in the intervention.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We intended to undertake meta-analysis and present the findings according to Cochrane recommendations. However, as we identified only five trials, with data unsuitable and insufficient for analyses, we described the data narratively.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five trials but only one randomised clinical trial (69 adults), published in 1986, reported outcomes of interest to the review. The trial had four dietary intervention groups, three of which were relevant to this review. We assessed the trial at high risk of bias. The dietary fat modifications included a modified cholesterol intake and medium-chain triglyceride supplementation. The control treatment was a standard diet. The trial did not report on any of the primary outcomes in this review (i.e. all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, and health-related quality of life). The trial reported on gallstone dissolution, one of our secondary outcomes. We were unable to apply the GRADE approach to determine certainty of evidence because the included trial did not provide data that could be used to generate an estimate of the effect on this or any other outcome. The trial expressed its finding as "no significant effect of a low-cholesterol diet in the presence of ursodeoxycholic acid on gallstone dissolution." There were no serious adverse events reported. The included trial reported that they received no funding that could bias the trial results through conflicts of interest. We found no ongoing trials.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The evidence about the effects of modifying dietary fat on gallstone disease versus standard diet is scant. We lack results from high-quality randomised clinical trials which investigate the effects of modification of dietary fat and other nutrient intakes with adequate follow-up. There is a need for well-designed trials that should include important clinical outcomes such as mortality, quality of life, impact on dissolution of gallstones, hospital admissions, surgical intervention, and adverse events.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Gallstones; Quality of Life; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats
PubMed: 38318932
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012608.pub3