Effect of cardamom supplementation on a number of metabolic factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background & aimsCardamom known as “queen of spice” seems to be an anti-diabetic agent due to its poly phenolic content. Since, recent studies reported controversial results related to its effect on metabolic factors, present meta-analysis examined the effect of cardamom supplementation on glycemic indices and weight profile of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs).MethodsA wide search was done on biomedical electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Iranian databases, for all relevant literature published up to May 2021. Our search strategy included: [HbA1C, Blood Sugar, glycemic index, glucose tolerance test, insulin, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, body weight, BMI, body composition, waist circumferences] added to searched queries based on scientific Mesh terms. The included papers required to be RCTs that reported the effect of cardamom on glycemic and weight indices. We excluded studies with: a) non-randomized or non-controlled trials, b) animal studies, c) not available full text articles d) duplicate citations and e) not available full text articles. The risk of bias was assessed based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The effects of cardamom supplementation were assessed using standardized mean difference (SMD) statistics. The SMD of metabolic risk factors were pooled together using random effect meta-analysis method.ResultsTotally, six publications enrolling 410 participants was included in present meta-analysis. Daily 3 g supplementation of cardamom from 8 weeks to 3 months showed no significant effect on BMI (WMD: 0.07; 95% CI: [-0.12, 0.27]; P:0.5), weight (WMD: 0.01; 95% CI: [-0.22, 0.21]; P:0.95) and WC (WMD: 0.09; 95% CI: [-0.34, 0.17]; P:0.63), FBS (WMD: 0.10; 95% CI: [ ?0.32, 0.12]; P:0.37), insulin (WMD: 0.83; 95% CI: [-2.07, 0.40]; P:0.19) and QUICKI (WMD: 1.14; 95% CI: [-1.11, 3.39]; P:0.32). However, significant effect occurred on HOMA-IR (WMD: 0.40; 95% CI: [-0.65, ?0.15]; P:0.00), and HbA1C (WMD: 0.48; 95% CI: [-0.80, ?0.16]; P:0.00).ConclusionFinal findings suggest ameliorative effect of cardamom on metabolism of glucose.     

The health effects of medical nutrition therapy by dietitians in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis: Nutrition therapy and diabetes

AimsIntensive lifestyle, dietary interventions and patient education have been recommended as key milestones in to facilitate the management of Diabetes and contain the growing incidence. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the health benefits of medical nutrition therapy among patients with diabetes.DesignA systematic search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library from onset up to February 2019 to identify trials investigating the health effect of Medical nutrition (MNT) in patients with diabetes. Random-effects models were used to calculate the effect sizes as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsEleven studies containing 1227 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed a significant reduction in Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD= ?8.85 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?14.41, ?3.28), HbA1c (WMD: ?0.43%, 95% CI: ?0.69, ?0.17), weight (WMD: ?1.54 kg, 95% CI: ?2.44, ?0.64), Body mass index (BMI) (WMD: ?0.34 Kg/m2, 95% CI: ?0.52, ?0.17), waist circumference (WMD: ?2.16 cm, 95% CI: ?4.09, ?0.23), cholesterol (WMD: ?4.06 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?7.31, ?0.81), Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD: ?7.90 mmHg, 95% CI: ?13.03, ?2.77). Results of meta-regression analysis based on age of participants and duration of intervention were not significant.ConclusionsPatients with diabetes who received medical nutrition therapy showed significant improvements in outcome measures of FBS, HbA1c, weight, BMI, waist circumference, cholesterol, and SBP.     

The effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 45 randomized placebo‐controlled trials

Flaxseed consumption may be inversely associated with obesity; however, findings of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conflicting. The present study aimed to systematically review and analyse RCTs assessing the effects of flaxseed consumption on body weight and body composition. PubMed, Medline via Ovid, SCOPUS, EMBASE and ISI Web of Sciences databases were searched up to November 2016. Mean changes in body composition indices including body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were extracted. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed with the I² test. Publication bias and subgroup analyses were also performed. The quality of articles was assessed via the Jadad scale. A total of 45 RCTs were included. Meta‐analyses suggested a significant reduction in body weight (WMD: ?0.99 kg, 95% CI: ?1.67, ?0.31, p = 0.004), BMI (WMD: ?0.30 kg m^?2, 95% CI: ?0.53, ?0.08, p = 0.008) and waist circumference (WMD: ?0.80 cm, 95% CI: ?1.40, ?0.20, p = 0.008) following flaxseed supplementation. Subgroup analyses showed that using whole flaxseed in doses ≥30 g d^?1, longer‐term interventions (≥12 weeks) and studies including participants with higher BMI (≥ 27 kg m^?2) had positive effects on body composition. Whole flaxseed is a good choice for weight management particularly for weight reduction in overweight and obese participants.     

Metabolic effects of the dual SGLT 1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin on blood pressure and body weight reduction in people with diabetes: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimTo update the meta-analysis of the metabolic effects of a dual sodium-glucose co-transpoter-1/2 inhibitor, sotagliflozin, on blood pressure (BP) and body weight in people with diabetes.MethodsAn electronic search up to March 8, 2022, were conducted to determine eligible randomized-controlled trials of sotagliflozin-reporting BP and weight change outcomes in adults with diabetes.Results16 trials were included, with a combined cohort of 19,140 patients. Compared with placebo, sotagliflozin had a mean systolic blood pressure reduction (weighted mean differences (WMDs) ?2.60 mmHg, 95 % CI: ?2.90 to ?2.30), mean diastolic blood pressure reduction (WMD -0.96 mmHg, 95 % CI: ?1.17 to ?0.75), and mean weight loss (WMD ?1.88 kg, 95 % CI: ?2.16 to ?1.59). Metabolic effects on BP-lowering and weight loss were observed across diabetes status, duration of follow-up, and chronic kidney disease comorbidity. Meanwhile sotagliflozin presented significant effects on people with type 1 diabetes and showed a dose-response relationship for BP-lowering and weight loss.ConclusionThis meta-analysis enriches the evidence on the metabolic benefits, including BP-lowering and weight loss, of sotagliflozin, and provide a reasonable therapeutic option for managing diabetes with metabolic syndrome. Further studies will be required to elucidate its long-term effects and role in metabolic syndrome management.PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022323945.     

Effects of cashew nut consumption on body composition and glycemic indices: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimsPresent meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted to synthesis a definitive conclusion from previous randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs).MethodsA comprehensive search was done up to July 2020, in order to extract RCTs which investigated the effect of cashew nut on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate effect size. Meta regression analysis was done to identify probable sources of heterogeneity.ResultsSix clinical trials with 521 participants were included. Combined effect sizes demonstrated no effect of cashew consumption on weight (WMD): 0.02, 95% CI: ?1.04, 1.09, P > 0.05), BMI (WMD: 0.1, 95% CI: ?0.72, 0.74, P > 0.05), and WC (WMD: ?0.13, 95% CI: ?1.97, 1.70, P > 0.05). Results were also not significant for FBS (WMD: 3.58, 95% CI: ?3.92, 11.08, P > 0.05), insulin (WMD: ?0.19, 95% CI: ?1.63, 1.25, P > 0.05), and HOMA-IR (WMD: 0.25, 95% CI: ?0.55, 1.06, P > 0.05).ConclusionThe sum up, incorporating cashew into the diet has no significant effect on body composition or modifying glycemic indices.     

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on vascular endothelial function in humans: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of coenzyme Q10 on arterial endothelial function in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease.BackgroundEndothelial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Methods and resultsThe search included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE to identify studies up to 1 July 2011. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials on the effects of coenzyme Q10 compared with placebo on endothelial function. Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Five eligible trials enrolled a total of 194 patients. Meta-analysis using random-effects model showed treatment with coenzyme Q10 significantly improvement in endothelial function assessed peripherally by flow-mediated dilatation (SMD 1.70, 95% CI: 1.00–2.4, p < 0.0001). However, the endothelial function assessed peripherally by nitrate-mediated arterial dilatation was not significantly improved by using fix-effects model (SMD ?0.19, 95% CI: ?1.75 to 1.38, p = 0.81).ConclusionCoenzyme Q10 supplementation is associated with significant improvement in endothelial function. The current study supports a role for CoQ10 supplementation in patients with endothelial dysfunction.     

Motivational interviewing to improve weight loss in overweight and/or obese patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Motivational interviewing, a directive, patient‐centred counselling approach focused on exploring and resolving ambivalence, has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach within the addictions field. However, the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in weight‐loss interventions is unclear. Electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating behaviour change interventions using motivational interviewing in overweight or obese adults. Standardized mean difference (SMD) for change in body mass, reported as either body mass index (BMI; kg m^?2) or body weight (kg), was the primary outcome, with weighted mean difference (WMD) for change in body weight and BMI as secondary outcomes. The search strategy yielded 3540 citations and of the 101 potentially relevant studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria and 11 were included for meta‐analysis. Motivational interviewing was associated with a greater reduction in body mass compared to controls (SMD = ?0.51 [95% CI ?1.04, 0.01]). There was a significant reduction in body weight (kg) for those in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (WMD = ?1.47 kg [95% CI ?2.05, ?0.88]). For the BMI outcome, the WMD was ?0.25 kg m^?2 (95% CI ?0.50, 0.01). Motivational interviewing appears to enhance weight loss in overweight and obese patients.     

The effects of whey protein on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimsThis systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to summarize data from available clinical trials on the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in adults.Data synthesisA comprehensive literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and SCOPUS from inception to October 2022. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess pooled effect sizes. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and I². Subgroup analysis was performed to assess potential sources of heterogeneity. The dose–response relationship was assessed using fractional polynomial modeling. Of the 2,840 records, 18 studies with 1,177 subjects were included. Pooled analysis showed that whey protein supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (WMD: −1.54 mmHg; 95% CI: −2.85 to −0.23, p = 0.021), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I² = 64.2%, p < 0.001), but not for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: −0.27 mmHg; 95% CI: −1.14, 0.59, p = 0.534) with high heterogeneity between studies (I² = 64.8%, p < 0.001). However, WP supplementation significantly reduced DBP at a dose of ˃30 g/day, in RCTs that used WP isolate powder for their intervention, in sample sizes ≤100, in studies with an intervention duration of ≤10 weeks, and in those studies that were conducted in patients with hypertension and had participants with a BMI of 25–30 kg/m².ConclusionThis meta-analysis demonstrated that WP intake significantly reduced SBP levels. Further large-scale studies are needed to specify the exact mechanism, and optimal dosage of WP supplementation to obtain a beneficial effect on BP.     

Impact of phytosterol supplementation on plasma lipoprotein(a) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimAlthough some earlier studies have indicated the effect of phytosterol (PS) supplementation on serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentration, findings are still conflicting. We aimed to assess the impact of PS supplementation on serum Lp(a) and FFA concentration through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available RCTs.Methods and resultsWe performed a systematic search of all available RCTs conducted up to 21 February 2019 in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane. The choice of fixed- or random-effect model for analysis was determined according to the I² statistic. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Pooling of 12 effect sizes from seven articles revealed a significant reduction of Lp(a) levels following PS supplementation (MD: ?0.025 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?0.045, ?0.004, p = 0.017) without significant heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 0.0%, p = 0.599). Also, PS supplementation significantly lowered FFA (MD: ?0.138 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?0.195, ?0.081, p = 0.000) without significant heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 0.0%, p = 0.911). The results for meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were not significant.ConclusionThe meta-analysis suggests that oral PS supplementation could cause a significant reduction in serum Lp(a) and FFA.     

Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on lipid and lipoprotein parameters: An updated meta-analysis

AimsThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify several aspects of intermittent fasting during the month of Ramadan on lipid and lipoprotein levels in apparently healthy subjects.Data synthesisWe searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases and the reference lists of previous reviews, up to Feb 2019 for studies that investigated the effects of Ramadan fasting on fasting levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C among healthy subjects including pregnant women and athletic subjects. Studies were selected for quality assessment, meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions; data of 33 eligible studies, conducted between 1978 and 2019, were included in the analysis.ResultsIntermittent fasting showed no significant effect on circulating TG (WMD = ?0.38 mg/dl, 95% CI = ?5.33, 4.57), TC (WMD = ?1.58 mg/dl, 95% CI = ?6.04, 2.88), and LDL-C levels (WMD = 1.85 mg/dl, 95% CI = 0.77, 2.92). Overall, HDL-C (WMD = ?2.97 mg/dl; 95% CI = ?6.43, 0.48 mg/dl) and VLDL-C (WMD = ?1.41 mg/dl; 95% CI = ?2.73, ?0.10 mg/dl) significantly decreased after Ramadan fasting. A significant increase in LDL-C levels was observed in athletic subjects (WMD = 2.97 mg/dl; 95% CI = 0.80, 5.13) and apparently healthy subjects (WMD = 1.81 mg/dl; 95% CI = 0.55, 3.07). Change in TG levels was associated with age (β = ?0.94, P = 0.043), its baseline values (β = ?0.44, P = 0.001), and weight change during the fasting period (β = ?0.57, P = 0.032).ConclusionRamadan fasting may be accompanied by a moderate improvement of lipid and lipoprotein parameters, especially HDL-C levels; fasting appears to be more beneficial for men and athletic subjects.     

Weight loss effects of circuit training interventions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the weight loss effects of circuit training interventions in adults. A computerized search was conducted using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE online databases. The analysis was restricted to randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of circuit training interventions on body weight and body mass index in adults aged 18 years or older. Meta‐analyses were conducted using the random‐effect model to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Nine randomized controlled trials (837 participants) were included. Significant intervention effects were identified for body weight (WMD = ?3.81 kg, 95% CI ?5.60 to ?2.02) and body mass index (WMD = ?1.77 kg/m², 95% CI ?2.49 to ?1.04). Subgroup analysis by body mass index status showed that the intervention effect was significant only in participants with obesity or overweight (obesity: WMD = ?5.15 kg, 95% CI ?8.81 to ?1.50 and overweight: WMD = ?3.89 kg, 95% CI ?7.00 to ?0.77, respectively) but not in those with normal weight. Current evidence suggests that circuit training effectively reduces body weight and body mass index in adults with overweight and obesity.     

The effects of green coffee bean extract supplementation on lipid profile in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of green coffee bean extract (GCBE) supplementation on lipid profile in adults.Methods and resultsThe PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of sciences, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials available in English and published before February 2019. The meta-analysis was conducted using fixed effects models, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test and I². A total of 17 effect sizes were included in the meta-analysis. Combined effect sizes on serum total cholesterol concentrations revealed significant effects of GCBE supplementation on serum total cholesterol [weighted mean difference (WMD): −4.51 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI): −6.89, −2.12, p < 0.001], low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: −4.38 mg/dL, 95% CI: −6.44, −2.31, p < 0.001), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 2.63 mg/dL, 95% CI: 2.20, 3.07, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Nevertheless, no significant changes were observed in serum triglycerides levels (WMD: −4.34 mg/dL, 95% CI: −9.00, 0.32, p = 0.068).ConclusionThe evidence from available studies suggests that the GCBE supplementation leads to significant reductions in total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels, and has modest, but, non-significant effects on triglycerides levels.     

Resveratrol supplementation significantly influences obesity measures: a systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

This study aimed to summarize earlier randomized controlled trials on the effects of resveratrol supplementation on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and fat mass (FM). We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from inception to April 2018 using relevant keywords. All clinical trials investigating the effects of resveratrol supplementation on BW, BMI, WC and FM in adults were included. Overall, 28 trials were included. Pooled effect sizes suggested a significant effect of resveratrol administration on weight (weighted mean differences [WMD]: ?0.51 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: ?0.94 to ?0.09; I² = 50.3%, P = 0.02), BMI (WMD: ?0.17 kg m^?2, 95% CI: ?0.32, ?0.03; I² = 49.6%, P = 0.02) and WC (WMD: ?0.79 cm, 95% CI: ?1.39, ?0.2; I² = 13.4%, P = 0.009), respectively. However, no significant effect of resveratrol supplementation on FM was found (WMD: ?0.36%, 95% CI: ?0.88, 0.15; I² = 0.0%, P = 0.16). Findings from subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in BW and BMI in trials using resveratrol at the dosage of <500 mg d^?1, those with long‐term interventions (≥3 month), and performed on people with obesity. Taken together, the data suggest that resveratrol supplementation has beneficial effects to reduce BW, BMI and WC, but not FM.     

Effects of folic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aim

Given the contradictory results of previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify and summarize the effects of folic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP).

Effects of probiotics supplementation on blood pressure: An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimsSeveral meta-analyses have revealed that probiotics could lower blood pressure (BP), but the findings were inconsistent. In this regard, an umbrella meta-analysis was carried out to provide a more accurate estimate of the overall impacts of probiotics supplementation on BP.Data synthesisWe searched the following international databases till November 2021: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the effects of probiotics on BP. Sensitivity analysis was performed by using the leave-one-out method. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Pooled effect size of 14 meta-analyses with 15,494 participants indicated significant decreases in both systolic (Weighted mean difference (WMD) = ?1.96 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): ?2.78, ?1.14, p < 0.001, and standardized mean difference (SMD) = ?2.62; 95% CI: ?4.96, ?0.28, p < 0.001) and diastolic BP (WMD = ?1.28 mmHg; 95% CI: ?1.76, ?0.79, p < 0.001, and SMD = ?0.60 mmHg; 95% CI: ?1.08, ?0.12, p = 0.014) following probiotics supplementation. Greater effects on SBP were revealed in trials with a mean age of >50 years and the duration of intervention ≤10 weeks. DBP was also more reduced in studies with a dosage of ≥10¹⁰ colony forming unit (CFU), and SBP was decreased in patients with hypertension or diabetes analyzing WMD.ConclusionThe present umbrella meta-analysis suggests probiotics supplementation to improve BP and claims that probiotics could be used as a complementary therapy for controlling high BP.Prospero IDCRD42022306560.     

Chronotherapy of Hypertension with Angiotensin Receptor Blockers–A Meta-Analysis of Blood Pressure Measured by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Randomized Trials

BackgroundWe performed this meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of chronotherapy of hypertension with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).MethodsWe searched Pubmed, Web of Science, and Cochrane for all published randomized trials that compare antihypertensive effects of ARBs between bedtime dosing and awakening dosing. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by ambulatory BP monitoring in patients with mild or moderate essential hypertension.ResultsThe effects of ARBs on BP were assessed in 805 essential hypertensive patients included in 8 trials with a follow-up of 12 ± 3 weeks. The sleep-time systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) with bedtime dosing greatly decreased as compared with awakening dosing (weighted mean differences [WMD] for SBP WMD ?5.23 [95% confidence intervals (CI), ?7.27, ?3.20] mm Hg, p < 0.001; WMD for DBP ?2.94 [95% CI, ?4.52, ?1.36] mm Hg, p < 0.001). The reduction of daytime SBP (WMD 0.98 [95% CI, ?0.20, 2.17] mm Hg, p = 0.10), DBP (WMD 0.11 [95% CI, ?0.68, 0.89] mm Hg, p = 0.79), 24 hour SBP (WMD ?0.75 [95% CI, ?1.93, 0.42] mm Hg, p = 0.21) and DBP (WMD ?0. 77 [95% CI, ?1.55 0.01] mm Hg, p = 0.05) with bedtime dosing was similar with awakening dosing.ConclusionsBedtime dosing with ARBs is more effective in lowering sleep-time BP than awakening dosing in patients with essential hypertension, suggesting a utilization of chronotherapy of hypertension with ARBs to reduce sleep-time high BP. Larger multi-ethnic studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of chronotherapy of hypertension.     

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on the lipid profile: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimsDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation has gained attention in individuals with adrenal insufficiency, and as a tool for increasing androgens and estrogens whereby is proposed to improve the accretion of muscle and bone mass. However, DHEA supplementation has demonstrated negative effects on the lipid profile and, thus, we aimed to analyze the body of evidence in this regard.Methods and resultsA systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed employing in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar, then including relevant articles that addressed the effects of DHEA supplementation on the lipid profile, up to February 2020. Combined findings were generated from 23 eligible articles. Hence, total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference (WMD): −3.5 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval (CI): −8.5 to 1.6)), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: 0.34 mg/dl, 95% CI: −3 to 3.7) and triglycerides (TG) levels (WMD: −2.85 mg/dl, 95% CI: −9.3 to 3.6) did not alter in DHEA group compared to the control, but HDL-C levels significantly reduced in DHEA group (WMD: −3.1 mg/dl, 95% CI: −4.9 to −1.3). In addition, a significant reduction in HDL-C values was observed in studies comprising women (WMD: −5.1 mg/dl, 95% CI: −7.2 to −3) but not in males (WMD: 0.13 mg/dl, 95% CI: −1.4 to 1.7).ConclusionsOverall, supplementation with DHEA did not change circulating values of TC, LDL-C and TG, whereas it may decrease HDL-C levels. Further long-term RCTs are required to investigate the effects of DHEA particularly on major adverse cardiac events.     

Serum insulin level,HOMA-IR and prostate cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimsThis meta-analysis study was performed to assess serum insulin level and insulin resistance status in prostate cancer patients in observational studies.Materials and methodsA systematic literature search was performed for observational studies in Scopus, PubMed, Ovid and ISI Web of Science up to July 2017.ResultsFrom 2070 publication were searched firstly, only 10 studies with 9 and 6 arms included for the meta-analysis assessing serum insulin level and HOMA-IR status in prostate cancer patients, respectively. Pooled effects analysis showed that the Fasting insulin level was significantly higher in men with prostate cancer compared to control group (WMD = 2.12 μ IU/ml, 95%CI; 0.26, 3.99; P = 0.02). Sub-group analysis showed that the elevation in serum insulin level takes place only in patients with ages more than 65 years old (WMD = 3.88 μ IU/ml, 95%CI; 2.28, 5.48; P < 0.001). HOMA-IR was no significantly different between study groups. However, the difference got statistically significant after sub-grouping patients based on their age (WMD = 1.37, 95% CI; 0.61, 2.12; P < 0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis study showed higher fasting serum insulin and HOMA-IR levels especially in patients with ages more than 65 years..     

Impact of Omega-3 supplementation on homocysteine levels in humans: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimsAlthough some evidence suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation influences enzymes involved in forming homocysteine (Hcy) and improving hyperhomocysteinemia, these findings are still contradictory in humans. The aim of this systematic and meta-analysis study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplementation on Hcy using existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Data synthesisAvailable databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched to find relevant RCTs up to June 2021. The effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ConclusionA total of 20 RCT studies with 2676 participants were included in this article. Our analyses have shown that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced plasma Hcy levels (WMD: 1.34 μmol/L; 95% CI: 1.97 to ?0.72; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The results of subgroup analysis showed that omega-3 supplementation during the intervention <12 weeks and with a dose ≥3 gr per day causes a more significant decrease in Hcy levels than the intervention ≥12 weeks and at a dose <3 gr. In addition, omega-3 supplements appear to have more beneficial effects in individuals with high levels of normal Hcy. This meta-analysis showed that omega-3 supplementation significantly improved Hcy. However, further studies are needed to confirm the findings.     

Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein level: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Background and aim

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in clinical trial studies.