Bones as an alive organ consist of about 70% mineral and 30% organic component. About 200 million people are suffering from osteopenia and osteoporosis around the world. There are multiple ways of ...protecting bone from endogenous and exogenous risk factors. Planned physical activity is another useful way for protecting bone health. It has been investigated that arranged exercise would effectively regulate bone metabolism. Until now, a number of systems have discovered how exercise could help bone health. Previous studies reported different mechanisms of the effect of exercise on bone health by modulation of bone remodeling. However, the regulation of RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway in exercise and physical performance as one of the most important remodeling systems is not considered comprehensive in previous evidence. Therefore, the aim of this review is to clarify exercise influence on bone modeling and remodeling, with a concentration on its role in regulating RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway.
Bone remodels via resorption and formation, two phenomena that continuously occur in bone turnover. The RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway is one of the several mechanisms that affect bone turnover. The ...RANKL/OPG ratio has a substantial role in bone resorption. An imbalance between formation and resorption is related to an increased RANKL/OPG balance. OPG, a member of this system, can bind to RANKL and suppress RANK-RANKL interaction, and subsequently, inhibit further osteoclastogenesis. The serum levels of RANKL and OPG in the bone microenvironment are vital for osteoclasts formation. The RANK/RANKL/OPG system plays a role in the pathogenesis of bone disorders. This system can be considered a new treatment target for bone disorders. Soy isoflavones affect the RANK/RANKL/OPG system through numerous mechanisms. Soy isoflavones decrease RANKL levels and increase OPG levels. Therefore, isoflavones improve bone metabolism and decrease bone resorption. Soy isoflavones decrease serum markers of bone resorption and improve bone metabolism. However, while the available data are promising, the results of several studies reported no change in RANKL and OPG levels with isoflavones supplementation. In this regard, current evidence is insufficient for conclusive approval of the efficacy of isoflavones on RANKL/RANK/OPG and further research, including animal and human studies, are needed to confirm the effect of soy isoflavones on the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway. This study was a review of available evidence to determine the role of isoflavones in bone hemostasis and the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. The identification of the effects of isoflavones on the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway directs future studies and leads to the development of effective treatment strategies for bone disorders.
Four experiments were conducted, in two stages, to evaluate protein and limiting amino acids' (lysine and methionine + cystine) levels in pre-starter diets on broilers’ performance. In each ...experiment of Stage 1, 640 new-born male Ross 308 cockerels were randomly allocated to eight dietary treatments with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. In experiment 1-1, two levels of crude protein (CP: 21% and 23.2%) and four levels of Lys (1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5%) and in experiment 1-2, two levels of CP (21 and 23.2%) and four levels of Met + Cys (0.85, 0.90, 0.95, and 1.00%) were used. In Stage 2, the optimum levels of Lys and Met + Cys obtained from Stage 1 (1.3 and 1.5% Lys, 0.90 and 1.00% Met + Cys in experiment 1-1 and 1-2, resp.) with two levels of CP (21 and 23.2%) were used in two separate simultaneous experiments with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for male and female birds. The levels of CP significantly influenced BWG and FCR in experiment 1-1. Dietary levels of Lys affect BWG (experiment 1-1) and FI (experiments 1-1 and 2-1) significantly. In experiments 1-2 and 2-2, the different levels of Met + Cys did not affect BWG, FI, and FCR of male or female broilers. The results of these experiments indicated that the optimal level of dietary protein and Lys were 23.2% and 1.5%, respectively. Diets with 1% Met + Cys caused optimal performance.
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Previous studies have recommended that probiotics may have blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. However, they examined all probiotic strains (multi/single probiotics) simultaneously. ...In respect to strain specificity properties of probiotic, the aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the role of Lactobacillus plantarum as an anti-hypertensive agent by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were used from inception until October 2018 to identify eligible trials. We used random-effects model as the preferable method to assess the combined treatment effect. We further conducted sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis. Seven studies with 653 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with the random effects model showed a significant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on improvement of SBP with no statistically significant heterogeneity (WMD: -1.58 mmHg, 95 % CI: -3.05 to 0.11) (heterogeneity P = 0.14; I² = 36 %). The overall effect in the DBP showed significant pooled estimates (WMD: -0.92 mmHg, 95 % CI: -1.49 to -0.35) with a complete homogeneity between the studies (heterogeneity P = 0.46; I² = 0 %). The findings of the present meta-analysis study support the use of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation for lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The clinical significance of blood pressure-lowering effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum supplementation is not considerable; however, given the overarching benefits evident and concurrent lack of specific side effects, further trials are warranted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum probiotics particularly for hypertensive patients.
The present study was designed to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that report on the effects of garlic supplementation on serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. We conducted ...a literature search of Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to January 2018. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were estimated for net change in serum CRP. Subgroup analyses were also performed by duration of study, dose of supplementation, baseline CRP level, and the quality of studies. From 438 articles found and screened in our initial search, nine RCTs with the sum of total sample size of 363 were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared with the controls, garlic intake significantly reduced the concentrations of serum CRP by 0.8 mg/L (95% CI −1.5, −0.1, p = 0.02) with the evidence of heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses showed that garlic significantly lowered CRP by 0.82 mg/L (95% CI −1.02, −0.62, p < 0.001) among studies with a daily garlic dose ≥1,200 mg/day and by 2.44 mg/L (95% CI −4.02, −0.87, p = 0.002) among studies with baseline CRP ≥2 mg/L. Current data confirmed that garlic supplementation would reduce serum CRP levels. However, the changes were related to the supplemental doses and baseline levels of serum CRP.
Besides other benefits, curcumin is getting more recognized for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, highlighting the importance of curcumin application for chronic disease prevention. ...This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the influence of curcumin‐containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till January 2018 for eligible studies. The selected studies were evaluated for their quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and relevant data were extracted from included studies. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fifteen RCTs were included in the final analysis. The meta‐analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly decreased interleukin 6 (IL‐6) (SMD −2.08; 95% CI −3.90, −0.25; p = 0.02), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (SMD −0.65; 95% CI −1.20, −0.10, p = 0.02), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD −3.14; 95% CI ‐4.76, −1.53, p < 0.001). Though, curcumin supplementation had no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (SMD −1.62; 95% CI −3.60, 0.36; p = 0.10) and superoxide dismutase levels (SMD 0.34; 95% CI −1.06, 1.74, p = 0.63). Overall, this meta‐analysis suggests that taking curcumin‐containing supplements may exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties through a significant reduction in IL‐6, hs‐CRP, and MDA levels.
Abstract High blood pressure, or hypertension (HTN), is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and various chronic conditions. Recent research suggests that nutraceuticals can enhance the ...effectiveness of conventional pharmacological therapies. As a result, there is increasing interest in using therapeutic diets and diverse compounds to complement these treatments. Depression is a globally prevalent and debilitating disorder. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a state of heightened emotion that involves both psychological and physical changes, even without a clear cause. In addition to standard therapies, alternative approaches, including adjunctive therapies, are being explored. HTN and anxiety are closely linked conditions. Anxiety can temporarily increase blood pressure due to the body’s natural “fight or flight” response. However, if anxiety persists, it can lead to chronic HTN. Conversely, HTN can also increase the risk of anxiety by causing physical symptoms that can trigger anxiety. Moreover, medications commonly prescribed for HTN may have side effects that worsen anxiety symptoms. It is crucial to identify and offer affordable treatments and prevention methods for both conditions. Recently, there has been discussion about the use of probiotic supplements as an alternative treatment for reducing blood pressure and anxiety. These supplements contain active microorganisms that can provide benefits to the body when consumed in sufficient quantities. Numerous studies have explored the potential benefits of probiotics for individuals with HTN. Similarly, several studies have investigated the impact of probiotics on anxiety. However, the relationship between anxiety, HTN, and the effects of probiotics on these disorders is still a topic of debate. Given the conflicting evidence and the interplay between anxiety and blood pressure, we have chosen to create a comprehensive review article that thoroughly examines and provides a detailed description of the potential mechanisms involved in this connection.
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and elderly populations.
Design/methodology/approach
Three electronic ...databases, namely, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus, were searched from 1990 to November 2020. Random effects model analysis was applied for quantitative data synthesis, and 6 trials with 150 participants were identified and included in the analysis.
Findings
Results showed an overall non-significant effect of L-citrulline supplementation on both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in middle-aged and elderly participants. However, stratified analysis indicated a significant reduction in SBP (SMD: −0.41, 95% CI: −0.84, 0.02; p = 0.06, heterogeneity p = 0.41; I2 = 10%) but not in DBP (SMD:−0.15, 95% CI: −0.57, 0.28; p = 0.51, heterogeneity p = 0.60; I2 = 0%), following longer-term (= 8 weeks) supplementation of L-citrulline. Additionally, higher doses of L-citrulline (= 6 grams) showed a marginally significant reduction in DBP (SMD: −0.38, 95% CI: −0.78, 0.02; p = 0.06, heterogeneity p = 0.50; I2 = 0%).
Originality/value
In conclusion, a higher dosage and longer duration of supplementation with L-citrulline may have potential BP lowering effects in populations at an increased risk of hypertension
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by episodes of psychosis; major symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. More recent theories focus on particular ...disorders of interneurons, dysfunctions in the immune system, abnormalities in the formation of myelin, and augmented oxidative stress that lead to alterations in brain structure. Decreased dopaminergic activity and increased phospholipid metabolism in the prefrontal cortex might be involved in schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia have many side effects. Alternative therapy such as curcumin (CUR) can reduce the severity of symptoms without significant side effects. CUR has important therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial functions and protection of the nervous system. Also, the ability of CUR to pass the blood–brain barrier raises new hopes for neuroprotection. CUR can improve and prevent further probable neurological and behavioral disorders in patients with schizophrenia. It decreases the side effects of neuroleptics and retains lipid homeostasis. CUR increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and improves hyperkinetic movement disorders. CUR may act as an added counteraction mechanism to retain cell integrity and defense against free radical injury. Thus it appears to have therapeutic potential for improvement of schizophrenia. In this study, we review several properties of CUR and its ability to improve schizophrenia and minimize the side effects of antipsychotic drugs, and we explore the underlying mechanisms by which CUR affects schizophrenia and its symptoms.
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