Effect of green tea on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aimsSeveral studies have investigated the potential beneficial effects of green tea in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of supplementary intake of green tea on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and HOMA-IR in patients with T2DM.MethodsA systematic search was performed in Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus without any language and time restriction up to June 2019, to retrieve the related RCTs. Meta-analysis was carried out using both the random and fixed effects model where appropriate. I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity.ResultsInitial search yielded 780 publications. Fourteen articles were eligible. Our meta-analysis indicated that the supplementary intake of green tea had no significant effect on FPG, fasting insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR in patients with T2DM.ConclusionResults of the present systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that the supplementary intake of green tea had no significant effect on FPG, fasting insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR in patients with T2DM.     

Teucrium polium in prevention of steatohepatitis in rats

Background: In this study, we tried to evaluate whether the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of Teucrium polium, with a high antioxidant activity, is able to prevent the incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Methods: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was induced in male N‐Mary rats using a methionine/choline‐deficient (MCD) diet. Rats were given normal diet (A), normal diet+EtOAc extract (B), MCD diet (C) and MCD diet+EtOAc (D). Results: The MCD diet led to grade 1 liver steatosis, inflammation and ballooning degeneration. In group D, these factors abated to grade 0 in 80% of the rats. In groups receiving the EtOAc extract, lipoprotein profiles had significantly improved relative to those not receiving the extract. Also, a dramatic reduction was observed in the sera alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminoteransferase activities. The activities of the liver superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes were also enhanced. Conclusion: The EtOAc extract could reverse the adverse effects of the MCD diet.     

Long-term association of nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors

Background and aimsLong-term associations between nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors are not well known. We investigated the relationship between nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors including dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and obesity in a cohort of Iranian adults.Methods and resultsThe study was conducted within the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study on 1387 healthy participants. The participants were followed up for 12 years. A validated food frequency questionnaire was completed, and anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and fasting serum lipids and blood sugar were evaluated in three phases. Mixed-effects binary logistic regression was applied to examine the associations between nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors. The participants were classified according to the tertiles of nut consumption as cut-points, and associations were evaluated between the thirds of nut intake.Subjects in the last third were less likely to have hypercholesterolemia [OR (95% CI): 0.76 (0.60–0.97)], hypertriglyceridemia [OR (95% CI): 0.74 (0.58–0.93)], and obesity [OR (95% CI): 0.79 (0.50–0.98)] but more likely to have DM [OR (95% CI): 1.85 (1.27–2.68)] than those in the first third. However, after adjustment for various potential confounders, the associations remained significant only for obesity [OR (95% CI): 0.67 (0.48–0.94)] and DM [OR (95% CI): 2.23 (1.37–3.64)].ConclusionAfter adjustment for potential confounders, we observed an inverse association for nut consumption and obesity but positive association for DM and nut intake. On the basis of our findings, it is suggested that incorporation of nuts into people's usual diet may have beneficial effects for individuals with lower risk such as subjects without DM.     

Chorionic Bump in First-trimester Sonography

Objectives

The present research was motivated by providing new insight into early pregnancies with a chorionic bump diagnosis in first-trimester sonography and its impact on live birth rate.

Experimental diabetes treated with Achillea santolina: effect on pancreatic oxidative parameters

Oxidative stress is produced under diabetic condition and is likely involved in progression of pancreatic damage found in diabetes. In the present study, we examined possible protective effect of Achillea santolina L. (Compositae) against pancreatic damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats. Achillea santolina extract (ASE) is used by the traditional healers in many part of Iraq, as a hypoglycaemic agent. We evaluated the effect of ASE on blood glucose level, serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration and the oxidative stress status in rat pancreatic tissue. STZ was injected intraperitonealy at a single dose of 40mgkg(-1) to induce diabetes. ASE (0.1g/kgday) was orally administered to a group of diabetic rats for 30 consecutive days. Results showed significant reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and pancreatic glutathione (GSH) levels in the diabetic rats compared to the control subjects. On the other hand, blood glucose level, serum NO, malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation indices including protein carbonyl (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were significantly elevated in pancreas of the diabetic group. Treatment with ASE reduced blood glucose level, serum NO, pancreatic MDA, PCO and AOPP. In addition, the content of GSH was restored to the normal level of the control group. Furthermore, ASE significantly increased CAT and SOD activities in ASE-treated rats. Based on our data, it can be concluded that Achillea santolina have a high hypoglycaemic activity and this may be attributed to its antioxidative potential.     

Inhibition of blood platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion by Artemisia dracunculus leaves extracts

BACKGROUND: Platelet hyperactivity plays an important role in atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis. Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon) is a common table vegetable all over Iran and known for its anticoagulant activity in Iranian folk medicine. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Artemisia dracunculus leaves methanol crude extract and its chloroform fraction on platelet aggregation, secretion and adhesion to laminin coated plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human platelets were incubated with different concentrations of the test sample (equivalent to 25-200 mug of plant leaves powder/ml). The treated and untreated platelets were then activated with thrombin and adhesion to the laminin coated plates were evaluated. RESULTS: Based on our observations, the methanol extract and its chloroform fraction, at a concentration of 200 mug/ml, inhibited platelet adhesion to laminin coated wells by 50% and 60%, respectively. In addition to alternation of cell adhesive properties, protein secretion and self aggregation of the treated platelets were decreased upon treatment with the crude extract and its chloroform fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the methanol crude extract and chloroform fraction of tarragon could inhibit platelets adhesion, aggregation and secretion. These findings provide scientific basis for the traditional use of tarragon as a blood-diluting factor, as locally called, or as an anticoagulant.     

The effects of fresh garlic on the serum concentration of total cholesterol, total triglyceride and adipose tissues of broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of garlic on total cholesterol, total triglyceride and adipose tissues in chickens, since garlic is typically used as a dietary supplement in broilers' diets. One hundred male broiler chicks were divided randomly into two groups. From the day after they were born, group one received standard feed plus 20 kg/ton dried fresh garlic and group two received just standard feed without added garlic. On day 50, the chickens were individually weighed and slaughtered. Carcasses and adipose tissues were weighed out separately. During the slaughtering process, blood samples were collected to provide serum samples. The sera were used to measure total cholesterol and total triglyceride using routine laboratory methods. All samples were analysed and the results assessed statistically using the t test method. The results showed no significant changes in chicken weights or in chicken carcass weights. However, the results indicated significant decreases in total cholesterol, total triglyceride and adipose tissue, in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (p?<?0.001). The results suggest that fresh garlic may reduce total cholesterol, total triglyceride and the amount of carcass adipose tissue in chickens.