PMID: 

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018 02 1 ;103(2):564-574. PMID: 29161417

Abstract Title: 

Bolus Weekly Vitamin D3 Supplementation Impacts Gut and Airway Microbiota in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Abstract: 

Context: Disruption of gut microbiota may exacerbate severity of cystic fibrosis (CF). Vitamin D deficiency is a common comorbidity in patients with CF that may influence composition of the gut microbiota.Objectives: Compare microbiota of vitamin D-sufficient and -insufficient CF patients and assess impact of a weekly high-dose vitamin D3 bolus regimen on gut and airway microbiome in adults with CF and vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D

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PMID: 

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2019 May ;32(3 Special):1343-1348. PMID: 31551213

Abstract Title: 

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on various parameters in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.

Abstract: 

There are still no FDA approved drugs for NAFLD so far. Vitamin D may be a good therapeutic option for NAFLD patients due to its insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose is to investigate the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on various parameters in NAFLD patients. In this double blind randomized placebo controlled trial, 109 patients of NAFLD diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound and liver enzymes were divided into two groups for treatment with oral capsule of vitamin D3 50,000 IU and capsule placebo weekly for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric, chemical, metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed pre and post treatment by using SPSS 16. After 12 weeks oral treatment with vitamin D , its level increased significantly in vitamin D group from 12.5±4.2 to 24.5±3.8 ng/ml p =0.003 vs placebo group. This rise was further accompanied by decrease in HOMA-IR (4.56±1.6 to 3.26± 1.8 p=0.003) liver enzymes (i.e. ALT: 72.±17.6 to 54.5±14.5 IU/L p=0.04; AST: 68±14.5 to 46.± 10.5 p =0.002) serum CRP 3.25±0.68 to 2.28±0.44 mg/L p =0.06 and increase in serum adiponectin 8.56 ±1.12 to 10.44±2.35 mg/L p =0.03 as compared to placebo group. However non significant changes were observed in both groups in terms of body weight, BMI, and serum lipid profiles. Vitamin D supplementation not only improved its own status but also caused a significantamelioration in metabolic, chemical and inflammatory parameters in NAFLD patients. So it should be consider as an adjunctive therapy in NAFLD patients.

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PMID: 

Anticancer Res. 2020 Jan ;40(1):551-556. PMID: 31892611

Abstract Title: 

The Effect of Various Doses of Oral Vitamin DSupplementation on Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Dose-response Study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the effects of vitamin Dsupplementation on gut microbiota.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty adults with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency [25(OH)D

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PMID: 

Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2020 ;20(1):149-155. PMID: 31942850

Abstract Title: 

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes of Asthmatic Children with Vitamin D Insufficiency.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The extensive impacts of vitamin D on the immune system has gathered the attention of scholars in last years. In this regard, studies about vitamin D and incidence of asthma have showed various results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplements on clinical outcomes in asthmatic children with vitamin D insufficiency.MATERIALS & METHODS: This before-after interventional study was conducted on all asthmatic children who attended the Be'sat Hospital, Iran. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, asthma severity and pulmonary function tests before and after therapeutic prescription of vitamin D were evaluated. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: The mean age of the samples was 10.69±9.78 years and 39 subjects (57.4%) were male. The primary mean level of serum 25(OH)D (18.21±8.22, ng/mL) has significantly (p

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PMID: 

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2020 Feb 24. Epub 2020 Feb 24. PMID: 32094132

Abstract Title: 

Lactoferrin is broadly active against yeasts and highly synergistic with amphotericin B.

Abstract: 

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional milk protein with antimicrobial activity against a range of pathogens. While numerous studies report that LF is active against fungi, there are considerable differences in the level of antifungal activity and the capacity of LF to interact with other drugs. Here we undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the antifungal spectrum of activity of three defined sources of LF across 22 yeast and 24 mould species, and assess interactions with six widely used antifungal drugs. LF was broadly and consistently active across all yeast species (MIC 8-64μg/ml), with the extent of activity strongly affected by iron saturation. LF was synergistic with amphotericin B (AMB) in 19 out of 22 yeast species tested and synergy was unaffected by iron saturation but affected by the extent of LF digestion. LF+AMB combination therapy significantly prolonged the survival ofinfected withorand decreased fungal burden 12-25 fold. Evidence that LF directly interacts with the fungal cell surface was seen via SEM, which showed pore formation, hyphal thinning and major cell collapse in response to LF+AMB synergy. Important virulence mechanisms were disrupted by LF+AMB treatment, which significantly prevented biofilms inandinhibited hyphal development in, and reduced cell and capsule size and phenotypic diversity inOur results demonstrate the potential of LF+AMB as an antifungal treatment that is broadly synergistic against important yeast pathogens, with synergy attributed to the presence of one or more LF peptides.

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PMID: 

Turk J Med Sci. 2020 Feb 25. Epub 2020 Feb 25. PMID: 32093448

Abstract Title: 

Neuroprotective Effects of Quercetin on Cerebral Vasospasm Following Experimental Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in Rats.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: We examined the protective effects of the natural flavonoid, quercetin, against cerebral vasospasm in an experimental rat subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows: group 1 (G1, n=8), no experimental intervention; group 2 (G2, n=8), subarachnoid physiological saline; group 3 (G3, n=8), SAH; group 4 (G4, n=7) SAH and low-dose (10 mg/kg) quercetin treatment; group 5 (G5, n=7), SAH and high-dose (50 mg/kg) quercetin treatment. Subarachnoid haemorrhage was induced by injection of 0.15 cc of autologous blood taken from the tail artery into the cisterna magna from the craniocervical junction and basilar arteries and blood samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analyses.RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in G2 and G3 than in G1 (p

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PMID: 

Life Sci. 2020 Feb 22:117463. Epub 2020 Feb 22. PMID: 32097663

Abstract Title: 

A review on anti-cancer properties of Quercetin in breast cancer.

Abstract: 

Breast cancer is one of the well-known malignant tumors among women. In spite of attempts to classifying breast cancer according to its histological and molecular properties, it is almost considered as a dilemma in treatment. Nowadays, public and medical attentions have primary focused on foods with anti-cancer properties to alleviate the cancer problems. Flavonoid components such as Quercetin (Qu) as dietary substances with high attention of ordinary people might provide potential of alternative or complementary medicine in breast cancer. With regard to the wide range of health benefits of Qu, researchers have been generally convinced to bring Qu as natural compounds in cancer therapy. Moreover, the high cost of standard cancer treatments and the failure of most conventional treatments have led the medical community to pursue cost-effective prevention and treatment. As a result, a great deal of concentration is attracted to diet/cancer reciprocal action. Therefore, this review study has aimed to identify what has revealed the critical properties of Qu such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and even its effect on proliferation, angiogenesis, or apoptosis that are considered as anti-tumor property to enhance breast cancer treatment.

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PMID: 

Phytother Res. 2020 Feb 25. Epub 2020 Feb 25. PMID: 32097990

Abstract Title: 

The effects of Ginkgo biloba on metabolic syndrome: A review.

Abstract: 

The Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba), commonly known as ginkgo, brings considerable benefit to common medicine, including weight loss effects, as well as antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antilipidemic properties that could be effective in the treatment of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease events. Major compounds of G. biloba are terpene lactones (bilobalide and ginkgolides A, B, and C) and flavone glycosides (isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol). We evaluated the most relevant original articles to indicate the effects of G. biloba on different components of MetS, including obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Several electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched and the articles that included Ginkgo's effect on one or more of the criteria for MetS were selected. This review indicated that G. biloba might be efficient in the improvement of MetS; however, more studies especially clinical trials are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy of G. biloba.

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PMID: 

Planta Med. 2020 Feb 25. Epub 2020 Feb 25. PMID: 32097975

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Ginkgo biloba on Diseases Related to Oxidative Stress.

Abstract: 

(GB) is one of the most widely used phytotherapeutic products in the world, and its extract has beneficial properties for the treatment of several pathologies, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, neurodegenerative diseases, cataracts, hearing loss, myocardial lesion, hippocampus neuronal lesions, morphometry testicular changes, and liver damage. This review aims to investigate the effects of GB on diseases related to oxidative stress. Databases such as MEDLINE/PUBMED and EMBASE were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were used to build the review. This plant has antioxidant properties since it regulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes positively and reduces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, contributing to the reduction of lipid peroxidation. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-. In animal models, the use of GB can show positive effects on brain damage, neurodegenerative diseases, myocardial injury, and renal and liver damage. In humans, the positive effects were shown in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic colitis. These effects are due to the presence of compounds such as bilobalide, isoramnetina, quercetin, kaempferol, and ginkgolides A, B, and C. For these reasons, GB can be a low-cost alternative to the therapeutic approach of several pathologies since it acts in the prevention, treatment, and inhibition of several complications of common comorbidities.

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PMID: 

Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Feb 12 ;21(4). Epub 2020 Feb 12. PMID: 32059612

Abstract Title: 

Bisphenol S Impaired In Vitro Ovine Early Developmental Oocyte Competence.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread compound in the plastic industry that is especially used to produce baby bottles, food packaging and metal cans. BPA, an endocrine disruptor, leads to alterations in reproductive function and therefore has been banned from the food industry. Unregulated BPA analogues, particularly Bisphenol S (BPS), have emerged and are now used in the plastic industry. Thus, this study aimed to examine the acute effects of low and environmental doses of BPS on ewe oocyte quality and developmental competence, and its mechanism of action, during in vitro maturation.METHODS: Ewe cumulus-oocyte complexes underwent in vitro maturation in the presence or absence of BPS (1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1µM or 10 µM). Oocytes were then subjected to in vitro fertilisation and development.RESULTS: 1µM BPS induced a 12.7% decrease in the cleavage rate (= 0.004) and a 42.6% decrease in the blastocyst rate (= 0.017) compared to control. The blastocyst rate reduction was also observed with 10 nM BPS. Furthermore, 10µM BPS reduced the oocyte maturation rate, and 1 µM BPS decreased cumulus cell progesterone secretion. PR and AMH gene expression were reduced in cumulus cells. BPS induced a 5-fold increase in MAPK 3/1 activation (= 0.04).CONCLUSIONS: BPS impaired ewe oocyte developmental competence. The data suggest that BPS might not be a safe BPA analogue. Further studies are required to elucidate its detailed mechanism of action.

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