The effects of Chlorella vulgaris on cardiovascular risk factors: A comprehensive review on putative molecular mechanisms

The effect of Oleoylethanolamide supplementation on lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and dietary habits in obese people: a randomized double-blind placebo-control trial

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in biochemical parameters and changes in eating habits are considered complications of obesity. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), an endocannabinoid-like compound, has been shown to have protective effects on many metabolic disorders. Given this evidence, the present study aimed to assess the effects of OEA on lipid profile parameters, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and dietary habits in healthy obese people.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, which was carried out in 2016 in Tabriz, Iran, 60 obese people were enrolled in the study based on inclusion criteria. The intervention group consumed 125 mg of OEA capsules, and the placebo group received the same amount of starch twice for 8 weeks. Blood samples (5 mL) were taken at baseline and the end of the study in a fasting state. Serum concentrations of FBS, triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured by enzymatic methods using commercial kits. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration was obtained using the Friede-Wald formula. To assess dietary habits, a food frequency questionnaire (147 items) was used at baseline and the end of the study. A value less than < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

The TG concentration decreased significantly in the intervention group (mean (SD): 166.29 (70.01) mg/dL to 142.22 (48.05) mg/dL, p = 0.047). Changes in the placebo group were not significant (p > 0.05). After adjusting for baseline values and demographic characteristics, the difference in TG between groups remained significant (p = 0.044). Changes in other biochemical parameters were not significant. There was no significant difference between or within groups in terms of food groups.

CONCLUSION

OEA, as a complementary agent, plays a protective role in TG regulation. However, future studies with longer durations are needed to explore the impact of OEA on regulating dietary habits and to identify the mechanisms related to metabolic abnormalities in obese people.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) center as IRCT201607132017N30 with URL. www.IRCT.IR in date 03/10/2016.

Nicotine exacerbates liver damage in a mice model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma through shifting SOD/NF-κB/caspase-3 pathways: ameliorating role of Chlorella vulgaris

Nicotine, a pervasive global environmental pollutant, is released throughout every phase of the tobacco's life cycle. This study examined the probable ameliorative role of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) extract against nicotine (NIC)-induced hepatic injury in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing female Swiss mice. Sixty female Swiss mice were assigned to four equal groups orally gavaged 2% saccharin 0.2 mL/mouse (control group), orally intubated 100 mg ChV /kg (ChV group), orally intubated 100 µg/mL NIC in 2% saccharin (NIC group), and orally intubated NIC + ChV as in group 3 and 2 (NIC+ChV group). The dosing was daily for 4 weeks. Mice from all experimental groups were then inoculated intraperitoneally with viable tumor cells 2.5 × 106 (0.2 mL/mouse) in the fourth week, and the treatments were extended for another 2 weeks. The results have shown that NIC exposure significantly altered the serum levels of liver function indices, lipid profile, LDH, and ALP in the NIC-exposed group. NIC administration significantly increased hepatic inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage-related biomarkers but reduced antioxidant enzyme activities. NIC exposure downregulated SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GPX1, and GPX2 but upregulated NF-κB hepatic gene expression. Notably, the presence of the EAC cells outside the liver was common in all mice groups. Liver tissue of the NIC-exposed group showed multifocal expansion of hepatic sinusoids by neoplastic cells. However, with no evidence of considerable infiltration of EAC cells inside the sinusoids or in periportal areas in the NIC + ChV groups. NIC significantly altered caspase-3, Bax, and BcL2 hepatic immune expression. Interestingly, ChV administration significantly mitigates NIC-induced alterations in hepatic function indices, lipid profile, and the mRNA expression of antioxidant and NF-κB genes and regulates the caspase-3, Bax, and BcL2 immunostaining. Finally, the in vivo protective outcomes of ChV against NIC-induced hepatic injury combined with EAC in female Swiss mice could suggest their helpful role for cancer patients who are directly or indirectly exposed to NIC daily.

The association between healthy diet indicator and phytochemical index with prostate cancer odds ratio: a case-control study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Healthy diets and diets rich in phytochemicals can have health-promoting benefits in prostate cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possible association between Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) and Phytochemical Index (PI) with prostate cancer odds ratio.

METHODS

This is a case-control study conducted in Shiraz, Iran, involving 62 newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases and 63 hospital-based controls. The study collected demographic and anthropometric data, as well as dietary intake information via a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between HDI and PI with prostate cancer.

RESULTS

The study included 120 participants and found that individuals with higher HDI and PI scores had a lower odds ratio of prostate cancer (HDI: odds ratio (OR): 0.322 - confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.14-0.700 - PI: OR: 0.426 - CI 95%: 0.204-0.888). After adjusting for potential confounders, a lower odds ratio of prostate cancer was observed specifically among those with higher HDI scores (OR: 0.376 - CI 95%: 0.163-0.868).

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study suggest that adopting healthier dietary habits rich in dietary phytochemicals could be effective in preventing and halting the progression of prostate cancer.

Association between SII and markers of liver injury: A cross-sectional study from the NHANES (2017-2020)

INTRODUCTION

A novel indicator of inflammation is the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and liver dysfunction is linked to the advancement of inflammation. In light of this, this study aims to look into any potential connections between SII and markers of liver injury.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) dataset for 2017-2020. The linear relationship between SII and markers of liver injury was examined using multiple linear regression models. Examining threshold effects and fitted smoothed curves were utilized to describe nonlinear connections.

RESULTS

A total of 8213 adults aged 18-80 years participated in this population-based study. In the fully adjusted model, SII maintained a negative association with ALT(β = -0.003, 95%CI:-0.005, -0.002, P<0.00001), AST(β = -0.004, 95% CI:-0.005, -0.002, P<0.00001), and GGT(β = -0.004, 95% CI:-0.007, -0.000, P = 0.03791) and a positive association with ALP (β = 0.005, 95% CI:0.003, 0.007, P<0.00001). In subgroup analyses, it was found that SII remained negatively correlated with ALT, AST and GGT in gender, age and body mass index. SII was positively correlated with ALP at BMI≥25(kg/m2)(β = 0.005, 95% CI:0.003, 0.008, P = 0.00001), and was negatively correlated with ALT(β = -0.004, 95% CI:-0.005, -0.002, P<0.00001), AST(β = -0.004, 95% CI:-0.005, -0.003, P<0.00001) and GGT(β = -0.004, 95% CI:-0.008, -0.000, P = 0.02703) at BMI≥25, whereas no significant correlation was observed at BMI<25 (all P-values>0.05). Furthermore, the association between SII and markers of liver injury was nonlinear. By using a two-stage linear regression model for analysis, a U-shaped relationship was found to exist between SII and ALT with a turning point of 818.40(1,000 cells/μl). The inflection points of SII with AST and GGT were 451.20 (1,000 cells/μl) and 443.33 (1,000 cells/μl), respectively, and no significant inflection point with ALP was observed. Interaction tests demonstrated that SII correlation with ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT was not significantly different between strata (all p for interaction>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The research findings suggested that there was a negative correlation between SII and ALT, AST and GGT, and a positive correlation with ALP. However, larger prospective investigations are still greatly needed to confirm the findings.

Prevalence of anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its association with dietary inflammatory index: A population-based study from NHANES 1999 to 2018

Anemia is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and it is unknown whether the dietary inflammatory index (DII) is linked to anemia. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of anemia in RA patients and its association with the DII. The data utilized in this study were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 1999 to 2018. The prevalence of anemia in RA patients was estimated by ethnicity, sex, and age. Weighted multivariate logistic regression was utilized to explore the correlation between anemia risk and DII. The most crucial dietary factors related to the risk of anemia in RA patients were screened by stepwise regression. A nomogram model was established according to key dietary factors. A total of 10.25% (confidence interval, 8.58-11.92%) of RA patients will develop anemia, with the lowest prevalence around the age of 60. In addition, higher DII levels were discovered in anemic patients than in nonanemic patients. In multivariate regression models, an important positive association was revealed between anemia and growing quartiles of DII (Q4 vs Q1: odds ratio = 1.98; confidence interval, 1.25-3.15). In the subgroup analysis, the adjusted relation of DII with anemia in females, Mexicans, smokers, nondrinkers, and age groups ≥ 60 years was statistically significant. The same association was observed in the sensitivity analysis. A nomogram model based on stepwise regression screening of key dietary factors showed good discriminatory power to identify anemic risk in RA patients (area under the curve: 0.707). In patients with RA, high DII levels were associated with the risk of anemia. More attention should be given to controlling dietary inflammation to better prevent and treat anemia.

Biomimetic Slippery Surface with Exclusive Liquid-Repellent and Self-Cleaning Properties for Antifouling

The nature always offers amazing inspiration, where it is highly desirable to endow coatings on marine equipment with powerful functions. An excellent example is slippery zone of Nepenthes pitcher, which possesses novel liquid-repellent and self-cleaning performance. Therefore, this study presents an efficient fabrication method to prepare a novel coating. The coatings were fabricated by designing biomimetic textures extracted from the lunate bodies of slippery zone on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and then grafting Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide (DIP) modifier. The as-prepared slippery coatings exhibited outstanding antifouling properties against kinds of daily life pollutants such as Chlorella and coffee. This synergistic strategy was proposed combined with environmentally friendly modifier grafting and heterogeneous microstructure on the surface to broaden new probabilities for manufacturing slippery coatings with incredible protective functionality.

Effect of Macro and Microalgae Addition on Nutritional, Physicochemical, Sensorial, and Functional Properties of a Vegetable Cream

Algae are a booming resource in the food industry due to their several health benefits. This study assesses the impact of the combined use of selected macro- and microalgae to improve the nutritional profile and the labeling of a vegetable cream by the introduction of nutrition and health claims. As macroalgae, two Ascophyllum nodosum L., one natural (An) and one smoked (AnS), were selected for their high iodine concentration and flavor notes. A new strain of Chlorella vulgaris, golden (CvG), was selected as the microalgae, which is rich in proteins and has a neutral sensorial profile (golden color and mild flavor). In this study, two vegetable creams were compared. The control (CTRL) versus one enriched with a mixture of macroalgae and microalgae (CV-AN). Sensory, physicochemical, and functional properties of both vegetable creams were evaluated. The bioactivity assessed was the effect of iodine as a health claim and antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. CV-AN vegetable cream showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for protein content, iodine value, and antioxidant activity, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) in antihypertensive activity or sensory panel. The incorporation of these algae resulted in a vegetable cream with a better nutritional profile and sensory acceptability comparable to the control, offering protein and iodine source claims in the labeling.

Effects of Cranberry Extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Supplementation on Lipid Peroxidation and Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (Stages 3-4): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Growing evidence suggests that bioactive compounds in berry fruits may mitigate inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objectives

To evaluate cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) supplementation effects on modulation of transcription factors involved in inflammation and oxidative stress in nondialysis (stages 3 and 4) patients with CKD. Design/Participants. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed with 30 patients to receive capsules containing cranberry extract (1000 mg/day) or placebo (1000 mg/day of corn starch) for two months. Measurements. The mRNA expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in the plasma to assess oxidative stress. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and C-reactive protein (CRP) by immunoturbidimetric method.

Results

Twenty-five patients completed the study: 12 in the cranberry group (56.7 ± 7.5 years and body mass index (BMI) of 29.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2) and 13 in the placebo group (58.8 ± 5.1 years and BMI 29.8 ± 5.4 kg/m2). There were no differences in NF-kB or Nrf2 mRNA expressions (p = 0.99 and p = 0.89) or TBARS, CRP, and IL-6 plasma levels after cranberry supplementation.

Conclusions

The cranberry extract administration (1000 mg/day) did not affect Nrf2 and NF-kB mRNA expression, oxidative stress, or inflammatory markers levels in nondialysis CKD patients. This trial is registered with NCT04377919.

Effectiveness of an ERAS-based exercise-nutrition management model in enhancing postoperative recovery for thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To analyze the effect of an exercise-nutrition management model based on the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) concept on patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for lung cancer.

METHODS

From June 2019 to December 2022, 85 lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group, consisting of 42 patients, received routine nursing care during the perioperative period. The study group, comprising 43 patients, implemented an exercise-nutrition management model based on the ERAS concept during the perioperative period. We compared general data, perioperative indicators, compliance, and complications between the 2 groups. Additionally, we assessed the nutritional status using the patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), and hemoglobin (Hb), as well as lung function, including forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), in the patient population following the Piper intervention.

RESULTS

In the study group, the times to first defecation and getting out of bed, the duration of thoracic drainage tube indwelling, and the length of hospital stay were shorter than those in the control group. The VAS scores on the 2nd and 3rd postoperative days were lower in the study group than in the control group (P < .05). Medication compliance was higher in the study group compared to the control group (P < .05). Post-intervention, the PG-SGA scores in the study group were lower, while PA, ALB, and Hb levels were higher than those in the control group (P < .05). The MVV, FEV1, and FVC values were higher in the study group than in the control group after the intervention (P < .05). The PFS and mMRC scores were lower in the study group compared to the control group after the intervention, and the QLQ-C30 scores were higher (P < .05). The incidence of complications was 6.98% in the study group, which was not significantly different from 11.90% in the control group (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The exercise-nutrition management model, based on the ERAS concept, exhibits significant perioperative effects in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer, improving their nutritional status and reducing complications.

Revisiting the interconnection between lipids and vitamin K metabolism: insights from recent research and potential therapeutic implications: a review

Vitamin K is a lipophilic vitamin, whose absorption, transportation, and distribution are influenced by lipids. The plasma vitamin K level after supplementation is predominantly a lipid-driven effect and independent of existing vitamin K status. However, previous studies examining the efficacy of vitamin K supplementation often overlooked the influence of lipid levels on vitamin K absorption, resulting in inconsistent outcomes. Recent research discovered that impaired transportation of vitamin K2 within uremic high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in individuals with uremia might elucidate the lack of beneficial effects in preventing calcification observed in multiple trials involving menaquinone-7 (MK-7) supplementation among patients with chronic kidney disease. Clinical findings have shown that drugs used to regulate hyperlipidemia interact with the vitamin K antagonist warfarin, because cholesterol and vitamin K share common transport receptors, such as Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) and ATP-binding cassette protein G5/G8 (ABCG5/ABCG8), in enterocytes and hepatocytes. Additionally, cholesterol and vitamin K share a common biosynthetic intermediate called geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). It is important to note that statins, which hinder cholesterol synthesis, can also impede vitamin K conversion, ultimately impacting the functionality of vitamin K-dependent proteins. Furthermore, certain studies have indicated that vitamin K supplementation holds potential in managing hyperlipidemia, potentially opening a novel avenue for controlling hyperlipidemia using dietary vitamin K supplements. Therefore, attaining a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between vitamin K and lipids will yield valuable insights concerning the utilization of vitamin K and lipid regulation.

Sugar sweetened beverages, natural fruit juices, and cancer: what we know and what still needs to be assessed

Cancer is known as one of the leading causes of death in the world. In addition to early mortality, cancer is associated with disability in affected patients. Among environmental risk factors, special attention has been paid to the role of dietary factors. In recent decades, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and natural fruit juices has increased. Several studies have assessed the effects of these beverages on human health and found that a higher intake of SSBs is associated with a greater risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, current evidence for cancer incidence and mortality is not conclusive. In the current review, we concluded that SSBs intake might be positively associated with cancer incidence/mortality through their increasing effects on obesity, inflammatory biomarkers, serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and advanced glycation end-products. Such a positive association was also seen for natural fruit juices. However, types of natural fruit juices were not considered in most previous studies. In addition, some types of cancer including brain, lung, and renal cancers were not assessed in relation to SSBs and natural fruit juices. Therefore, further studies are needed in this regard.

Exploring cardiac impact of oral nicotine exposure in a transplantable Neoplasm Mice Model: Insights from biochemical analysis, morphometry, and molecular docking: Chlorella vulgaris green algae support

Nicotine-induced cardiac tissue damage is a concern for cancer patients, but the exact pathogenesis from nicotine oral exposure is unclear. This study was designed to investigate the impact of nicotine and Chlorella vulgaris (Ch. V) on cardiac glutathione homeostasis, inflammatory response, cardiac damage markers, apoptotic proteins and histopathological findings in an experimentally transplantable neoplasm mouse model (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma; EAC). In the in-vivo experiment, the female Swiss mice were divided into four groups: control, Ch.V (100 mg/kg), Nicotine (100 µg/ml/kg), and a combination group ( Nocotine+ Ch.V) for 40 days. Furthermore, in this study,the effects of C. vulgaris components on caspase-3, TNF-α, and IL-1β activity were explored using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) docking software to ensure its ability to counteract the toxic effects of nicotine. The results indicated that nicotine has induced significant (P < 0.001) cardiopathic alterations in EAC-bearing mice with changes in cardiac tissue enzymes. C. Vulgaris attenuated the nicotine-induced cardiac glutathione inhibition, suppressed the inflammatory response, exerted antiapoptotic effects, mitigated myocardial injury biomarkers, and repaired cellular and tissue damage. Moreover, the molecular docking results revealed the ability of C. vulgaris to bind with interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL1R1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1 A (TNFRSF1A) in the mice tissues, ameliorating apoptosis and inflammatory processes associated with nicotine-induced cardiotoxicity. This study provides a model for understanding nicotine-induced myocardial injury during experimentally transplantable neoplasm. It highlights C. vulgaris as a beneficial food supplement for cancer patients exposed to nicotine orally.

The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profile in adults: an umbrella meta-analysis on interventional meta-analyses

Introduction

Previous meta-analyses investigating the therapeutic effects of L-carnitine on lipid profiles have demonstrated inconsistent results. The present umbrella meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of efficacy of L-carnitine on lipid profiles in adults.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to June 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.

Results

Our results from thirteen meta-analyses indicated that L-carnitine supplementation significantly total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -1.05 mg/dL, 95% CI: -1.71, -0.39; p = 0.002), triglycerides (TG) (ES = -2.51 mg/dL; 95% CI: -3.62, -1.39, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (ES = -4.81 mg/dL; 95% CI: -6.04, -3.59; p < 0.001). It also increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (ES: 0.66 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.20, 1.12, p = 0.005) levels.

Conclusion

The present umbrella meta-analysis suggests supplementation with L-carnitine in a dosage of more than 2 g/day can improve lipid profile. Thus, L-carnitine supplementation can be recommended as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent.

The role of chromium supplementation in cardiovascular risk factors: A comprehensive reviews of putative molecular mechanisms

In the recent years, micronutrients play an important role in improving body health with preventing and treating of chronic diseases. Chromium is one of the vital minerals involved in the regulation of insulin action. According to abundant evidences this mineral seems to be an essential factor involved in the reduction of insulin resistance and decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Moreover, it has been proposed that Chromium supplementation affects mechanisms involved in blood pressure, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. For instance, it may affect blood pressure through alteration of the renin-angiotensin system, as well as reducing the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. Furthermore, Chromium supplementation might help reduce the coronary heart disease rates. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review regarding to the effects of Chromium supplementation on CVDs risk factors with an emphasis on possible molecular mechanisms.