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Advancements in Nutritional Strategies for Gestational Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence.
Sánchez-García, JC, Saraceno López-Palop, I, Piqueras-Sola, B, Cortés-Martín, J, Mellado-García, E, Muñóz Sánchez, I, Rodríguez-Blanque, R
Journal of clinical medicine. 2023;13(1)
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Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) causes hyperglycaemia due to the deficit of insulin during pregnancy. Dietary and lifestyle management plays a vital role in maintaining glycaemic control in women with GDM to avoid health risks to the mother and baby. Therefore, this systematic review of fourteen randomised controlled trials evaluated the latest research advancements to identify effective nutritional strategies for managing hyperglycaemia in women with GDM. Among all the dietary strategies implemented in the included randomised controlled trials, probiotic supplementation and supplementation of probiotics and vitamin D were most effective in GDM. Further robust studies are required to evaluate the potential effectiveness of different nutritional strategies for managing GDM. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this systematic review to understand the latest evidence supporting nutritional strategy for women with GDM and the need for personalised support for managing hyperglycaemia in GDM.
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as hyperglycaemia first detected at any time during pregnancy with values lower than those determined by the WHO for diabetes diagnosis in adults. This pathology, with a worldwide prevalence of 13.4%, causes significant maternal and foetal risks. The first line of treatment consists of maintaining normo-glycaemia through an adequate diet and lifestyle changes. The aim is to synthesize the scientific evidence updating the nutritional recommendations for the effective management of GDM. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized clinical trials published within the last five years and providing information on nutritional recommendations to achieve an effective management of gestational diabetes were selected. The databases searched were PubMed, the WOS Core Collection, SCOPUS, and CINAHL, using the MeSH terms: "Diabetes, Gestational"; "Nutrition Assessment (nutrition*)"; "Diet"; "Eating"; and "Food"; with the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". The PEDro scale (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) was used to assess the scientific quality of the studies, with a mean score of 8.9, indicating an average good scientific quality. Results: A total of 809 papers were collected, of which, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 randomized clinical trials were selected. Probiotic supplementation and co-supplementation with vitamin D have been found to be the most beneficial options for both mothers with GDM and neonates, but the most effective regimens are not known. Diets enriched with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and oat bran, as well as some recommendations focused on carbohydrates also seem effective, as well as diets designed for this group of women with GDM such as "CHOICE". Conclusions: Although there are numerous proposals that have been published in recent years focused on the diet of women with GDM in order to improve their results and those of their children, it is the supplementation with probiotics and the co-supplementation with vitamin D that is most agreed upon as beneficial; however, more research is needed into which protocols are most effective. Other proposals that could also be beneficial should be further studied.
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Absence of Effects of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in Response to Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.
Porto, AA, Gonzaga, LA, Benjamim, CJR, Valenti, VE
Nutrients. 2023;15(8)
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L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that acts as a precursor to L-arginine. L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid used for nitric oxide production which is crucial for maintaining physiological function and immune regulation. Previous research has shown that L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in reducing exercise-related oxidative stress and inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis included seven randomised controlled trials to investigate the effect of L-citrulline and L-arginine on antioxidants, oxidative stress, and inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed no significant improvements in oxidative stress and inflammation followed by the supplementation of L-citrulline and L-arginine before exercise. However, further robust studies that include different dosages and exercise intensities are required to assess the beneficial effects of L-citrulline and L-arginine supplements to support physical exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the potential benefits of L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation in people prone to producing proinflammatory cytokines.
Abstract
The repercussions on oxidative and inflammatory stress markers under the effects of arginine and citrulline in response to exercise are not fully reached. We completed a systematic review to investigate the effects of L-Citrulline or L-Arginine on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers following exercise. EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, CINAHL, LILACS, and Web of Science databases were used to record the trials. This study includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs with subjects over 18 years old. Those under the intervention protocol consumed L-Citrulline or L-Arginine, and the controls ingested placebo. We recognized 1080 studies, but only 7 were included (7 studies in meta-analysis). We observed no difference between pre- vs. post-exercise for oxidative stress (subtotal = -0.21 [CI: -0.56, 0.14], p = 0.24, and heterogeneity = 0%. In the sub-group "L-Arginine" we found a subtotal = -0.29 [-0.71, 0.12], p = 0.16, and heterogeneity = 0%. For the "L-Citrulline" subgroup we observed a subtotal = 0.00 [-0.67, 0.67], p = 1.00, and heterogeneity was not applicable. No differences were observed between groups (p = 0.47), and I² = 0%) or in antioxidant activity (subtotal = -0.28 [-1.65, 1.08], p = 0.68, and heterogeneity = 0%). In the "L-Arginine" sub-group, we found a subtotal = -3.90 [-14.18, 6.38], p = 0.46, and heterogeneity was not applicable. For the "L-Citrulline" subgroup, we reported a subtotal = -0.22 [-1.60, 1.16], p = 0.75, and heterogeneity was not applicable. No differences were observed between groups (p = 0.49), and I² = 0%), inflammatory markers (subtotal = 8.38 [-0.02, 16.78], p = 0.05, and heterogeneity = 93%. Tests for subgroup differences were not applicable, and anti-inflammatory markers (subtotal = -0.38 [-1.15, 0.39], p = 0.34 and heterogeneity = 15%; testing for subgroup differences was not applicable). In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis found that L-Citrulline and L-Arginine did not influence inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress after exercise.
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Polyphenol Intake in Pregnant Women on Gestational Diabetes Risk and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: A Systematic Review.
Salinas-Roca, B, Rubió-Piqué, L, Montull-López, A
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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In Europe, gestational diabetes affects approximately 10.9% of pregnant women. According to previous research, the cardiometabolic health of the mother and the mother's dietary habits during pregnancy may affect the foetus' neurodevelopment. Taking polyphenol supplements and eating foods rich in polyphenols is beneficial for promoting health across generations. In this systematic review, fourteen studies were included in order to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on gestational diabetes and mental health in the offspring. A higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental diseases in offspring is associated with gestational diabetes. The results of this systematic review revealed that polyphenol intake during pregnancy might have a beneficial effect on improving cardiometabolic health, reducing inflammation, DNA methylation and oxidative stress, thus reducing the risk of developing fetal neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorders. There is a need for further robust research, as the existing evidence regarding the safety of long-term polyphenol supplementation and its effects on gestational diabetes and fetal neurodevelopment is very limited. In spite of this, healthcare professionals can use the findings of this systematic review to learn more about the positive health benefits of polyphenols in pregnant women.
Abstract
The intake of foods containing polyphenols can have a protective role to avoid comorbidities during pregnancy and, at the same time, promote transgenerational health. This review aims to describe the effect of polyphenol intake through supplements or polyphenol-rich foods during pregnancy on the incidence and evolution of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as the link with the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Using PRISMA procedures, a systematic review was conducted by searching in biomedical databases (PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus) from January to June 2022. Full articles were screened (n = 419) and critically appraised. Fourteen studies were selected and were divided into two different thematic blocks considering (i) the effect of polyphenols in GDM and (ii) the effect of GDM to mental disorders in the offspring. A positive relationship was observed between the intake of polyphenols and the prevention and control of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, such as GDM, which could be related to thwarted inflammatory and oxidative processes, as well as neuronal factors. GDM is related to a greater risk of suffering from diseases related to neurodevelopment, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorder. Further clinical research on the molecule protective mechanism of polyphenols on pregnant women is required to understand the transgenerational impact on fetal neurodevelopment.
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Nutritional intervention for diabetes mellitus with Alzheimer's disease.
Li, Z, Li, S, Xiao, Y, Zhong, T, Yu, X, Wang, L
Frontiers in nutrition. 2022;9:1046726
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Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affects more than 463 million people worldwide. Similarly, the number of deaths related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has increased by 145%. There are several common risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes and AD, including obesity, insulin resistance, and ageing, as well as common pathological mechanisms, including altered insulin signalling, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, formation of glycated proteins and metabolic syndrome. This review aims to summarize the therapeutic effects of different nutritional therapy strategies on the reduction of DM and AD risk. Controlling blood sugar levels and reducing calorie intake is crucial to preventing diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, and Mediterranean diets have been found to improve glucose control in people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) and a ketogenic diet may improve cognition in AD patients. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium probiotics, and prebiotics, such as inulin, may inhibit the progression of T2D and AD diseases by suppressing inflammation and modulating gut microbes. In addition, vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, folate, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and polyphenols may improve cognitive decline, homocysteine levels, and insulin resistance in AD and T2D patients. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this review to understand the beneficial effects of dietary strategies and multi-nutrient supplementation on DM and AD. However, further robust studies are required to investigate the risk factors and underlying mechanisms behind DM-combined AD progression.
Abstract
The combined disease burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing, and the two diseases share some common pathological changes. However, the pharmacotherapeutic approach to this clinical complexity is limited to symptomatic rather than disease-arresting, with the possible exception of metformin. Whether nutritional intervention might extend or synergize with these effects of metformin is of interest. In particular, dietary patterns with an emphasis on dietary diversity shown to affect cognitive function are of growing interest in a range of food cultural settings. This paper presents the association between diabetes and AD. In addition, the cross-cultural nutritional intervention programs with the potential to mitigate both insulin resistance (IR) and hyperglycemia, together with cognitive impairment are also reviewed. Both dietary patterns and nutritional supplementation showed the effects of improving glycemic control and reducing cognitive decline in diabetes associated with AD, but the intervention specificity remained controversial. Multi-nutrient supplements combined with diverse diets may have preventive and therapeutic potential for DM combined with AD, at least as related to the B vitamin group and folate-dependent homocysteine (Hcy). The nutritional intervention has promise in the prevention and management of DM and AD comorbidities, and more clinical studies would be of nutritional scientific merit.
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Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Ferguson, T, Olds, T, Curtis, R, Blake, H, Crozier, AJ, Dankiw, K, Dumuid, D, Kasai, D, O'Connor, E, Virgara, R, et al
The Lancet. Digital health. 2022;4(8):e615-e626
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A sedentary or physically inactive lifestyle significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Wearable activity trackers are low-cost solutions that encourage users to engage in physical activity. This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigated the benefits of wearable activity trackers in improving physical activity levels and their beneficial effects on physiological and psychosocial outcomes. This umbrella review included thirty-nine systematic reviews, of which twenty-five systematic reviews included meta-analyses of the benefits of wearable trackers on physical activity levels. Results of this umbrella review suggest that wearable trackers increased physical activity levels, especially daily steps count and energy expenditure. The physiological outcomes included improvements in BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, glycosylated haemoglobin, waist circumference, and body weight. There was also a slight improvement in the quality of life of the participants who used wearable activity trackers. Further robust studies are required to evaluate the effects of wearable trackers on the psychosocial outcomes in people with mental illness. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the impact of wearable trackers on physiological and psychosocial effects in a non-clinical population.
Abstract
Wearable activity trackers offer an appealing, low-cost tool to address physical inactivity. This systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (umbrella review) aimed to examine the effectiveness of activity trackers for improving physical activity and related physiological and psychosocial outcomes in clinical and non-clinical populations. Seven databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Ovid Emcare, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched from database inception to April 8, 2021. Systematic reviews of primary studies using activity trackers as interventions and reporting physical activity, physiological, or psychosocial outcomes were eligible for inclusion. In total, 39 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified, reporting results from 163 992 participants spanning all age groups, from both healthy and clinical populations. Taken together, the meta-analyses suggested activity trackers improved physical activity (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0·3-0·6), body composition (SMD 0·7-2·0), and fitness (SMD 0·3), equating to approximately 1800 extra steps per day, 40 min per day more walking, and reductions of approximately 1 kg in bodyweight. Effects for other physiological (blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycosylated haemoglobin) and psychosocial (quality of life and pain) outcomes were typically small and often non-significant. Activity trackers appear to be effective at increasing physical activity in a variety of age groups and clinical and non-clinical populations. The benefit is clinically important and is sustained over time. Based on the studies evaluated, there is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of activity trackers.
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Effects of the Treatment with Flavonoids on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Humans: A Systematic Review Focusing on Mechanisms of Action.
Gouveia, HJCB, Urquiza-Martínez, MV, Manhães-de-Castro, R, Costa-de-Santana, BJR, Villarreal, JP, Mercado-Camargo, R, Torner, L, de Souza Aquino, J, Toscano, AE, Guzmán-Quevedo, O
International journal of molecular sciences. 2022;23(15)
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Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterised by at least three of the five risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, elevated fasting glucose, blood pressure and triglycerides and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). There is a strong link between metabolic syndrome and the development of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that increasing consumption of flavonoid-rich foods can be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds that possess antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-mutagenic, and enzymatic properties. This systematic review of 29 randomised controlled trials evaluated the beneficial effects of long-term flavonoid supplementation in reducing the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. This review included a variety of flavonoid supplements, such as anthocyanin, hesperidin, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate (egcg), genistein, theaflavin, catechin, and eriocitrin. Additionally, this research investigated the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of flavonoid supplementation. Results showed that flavonoid supplementation for at least three weeks improved metabolic parameters and inflammatory markers, with hesperidin showing the greatest improvements in metabolic parameters. Healthcare professionals can use these findings to understand the potential benefits of long-term flavonoid supplementation in improving metabolic parameters. However, more robust studies are needed to determine the therapeutic dosages of different flavonoids.
Abstract
Diets high in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, have been used to mitigate metabolic syndrome (MetS). Polyphenols are a large group of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, classified into two main classes: non-flavonoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are distributed in foods, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, and cocoa. Studies have already demonstrated the benefits of flavonoids on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as cancer cells. The present review summarizes the results of clinical studies that evaluated the effects of flavonoids on the components of the MetS and associated complications when offered as supplements over the long term. The results show that flavonoids can significantly modulate several metabolic parameters, such as lipid profile, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Only theaflavin and catechin were unable to affect metabolic parameters. Moreover, only body weight and body mass index were unaltered. Thus, the evidence presented in this systematic review offers bases in support of a flavonoid supplementation, held for at least 3 weeks, as a strategy to improve several metabolic parameters and, consequently, reduce the risk of diseases associated with MetS. This fact becomes stronger due to the rare side effects reported with flavonoids.
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Resistance Training Prevents Muscle Loss Induced by Caloric Restriction in Obese Elderly Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Sardeli, AV, Komatsu, TR, Mori, MA, Gáspari, AF, Chacon-Mikahil, MPT
Nutrients. 2018;10(4)
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Caloric restriction (55% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 30% fat) is associated with increased lifespans and the attenuation of the harmful effects of aging. Furthermore, it has been shown that resistance training increases lean body mass, promotes strength, and attenuates muscle loss and function in elderly people. The aim of the study is to determine the level of lean body mass that can be preserved when resistance training is associated with caloric restriction interventions in elderly obese humans. The study is a meta-analysis, based on data from randomised-controlled trials. The participants were older adults or elderly people with a mean age > 57 year. Results indicate that caloric restriction associated with resistance training prevents 93% lean body mass loss induced by caloric restriction. Authors conclude that caloric restriction with resistance training almost stopped caloric restriction induced lean body mass loss completely.
Abstract
It remains unclear as to what extent resistance training (RT) can attenuate muscle loss during caloric restriction (CR) interventions in humans. The objective here is to address if RT could attenuate muscle loss induced by CR in obese elderly individuals, through summarized effects of previous studies. Databases MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were used to perform a systematic search between July and August 2017. Were included in the review randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing the effects of CR with (CRRT) or without RT on lean body mass (LBM), fat body mass (FBM), and total body mass (BM), measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, on obese elderly individuals. The six RCTs included in the review applied RT three times per week, for 12 to 24 weeks, and most CR interventions followed diets of 55% carbohydrate, 15% protein, and 30% fat. RT reduced 93.5% of CR-induced LBM loss (0.819 kg [0.364 to 1.273]), with similar reduction in FBM and BM, compared with CR. Furthermore, to address muscle quality, the change in strength/LBM ratio tended to be different (p = 0.07) following CRRT (20.9 ± 23.1%) and CR interventions (−7.5 ± 9.9%). Our conclusion is that CRRT is able to prevent almost 100% of CR-induced muscle loss, while resulting in FBM and BM reductions that do not significantly differ from CR.
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Silymarin in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases and primary liver cancer.
Féher, J, Lengyel, G
Current pharmaceutical biotechnology. 2012;13(1):210-7
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a recognised health problem with no convincing interventions to date. This randomised trial aimed to examine the efficacy of silymarin plus vitamin E in the treatment of NAFLD. 36 patients were randomized to either group Ι or group ΙΙ. Group Ι was treated with 2 tablets of silymarin plus vitamin E per day, hypocaloric diet and exercise. Group ΙΙ was treated only with a hypocaloric diet. Study duration was 3 months for both groups. Diagnosis of NAFLD was confirmed for all participants by liver biopsy. Patients in group Ι showed significant decrease in anthropometric measurements. Both groups experienced reductions in markers of NAFLD, however in group I, these reductions were independent of weight loss, whereas in group II, those who failed to lose 5% of body weight didn’t show a change in biochemical markers. Authors conclude that intervention with silymarin plus vitamin E, alone or along with other treatments, can help NAFLD patients who fail to lose weight with diet.
Abstract
In chronic liver diseases caused by oxidative stress (alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, drug- and chemical-induced hepatic toxicity), the antioxidant medicines such as silymarin can have beneficial effect. Liver cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver and steatohepatitis are risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Insulin resistance and oxidative stress are the major pathogenetic mechanisms leading the hepatic cell injury in these patients. The silymarin exerts membrane-stabilizing and antioxidant activity, it promotes hepatocyte regeneration; furthermore it reduces the inflammatory reaction, and inhibits the fibrogenesis in the liver. These results have been established by experimental and clinical trials. According to open studies the long-term administration of silymarin significantly increased survival time of patients with alcohol induced liver cirrhosis. Based on the results of studies using methods of molecular biology, silymarin can significantly reduce tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis as well as insulin resistance. Furthermore, it exerts an anti-atherosclerotic effect, and suppresses tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein production and mRNA expression due to adhesion molecules. The chemopreventive effect of silymarin on HCC has been established in several studies using in vitro and in vivo methods; it can exert a beneficial effect on the balance of cell survival and apoptosis by interfering cytokines. In addition to this, anti-inflammatory activity and inhibitory effect of silymarin on the development of metastases have also been detected. In some neoplastic diseases silymarin can be administered as adjuvant therapy as well.