Efficacy Of Antioxidant Supplementation Research Articles

Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in improving endocrine, hormonal, inflammatory, and metabolic statuses of PCOS: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background and aim: A large number of recent studies have reported on the use of antioxidants in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects on PCOS. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the use of antioxidants in treating PCOS. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. Stata17.0 software was used to conduct sensitivity analyses. Results: This meta-analysis included 49 articles and 62 studies. The sample comprised 1657 patients with PCOS from the antioxidant group and 1619 with PCOS from the placebo group. The meta-analysis revealed that the fasting blood glucose levels [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.39 to -0.22, P < 0.00001], the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD: -0.68, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.50], P < 0.00001), and insulin levels (SMD: -0.68, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.58, P < 0.00001) were significantly lower in patients with PCOS taking antioxidants than those in the placebo group. Further, total cholesterol levels (SMD: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.20, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.10, P = 0.0008), and very low-density lipoprotein levels (SMD: -0.53, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.41, P < 0.00001) were lower in patients with PCOS taking antioxidant supplements compared with the placebo group. Total testosterone (TT) level (SMD: -0.78, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.42, P < 0.0001), dehydroepiandrosterone level (SMD: -0.42, 95% CI: -0.58 to -0.25, P < 0.00001), and mean standard deviation modified Ferriman-Gallway (MF-G scores) (SMD: -0.63, 95% CI: -0.98 to -0.28, P = 0.0004) were lower in patients taking antioxidant supplements. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.34, P < 0.000001), body mass index [mean difference (MD): -0.27, 95% CI: -0.50 to -0.03, P = 0.03], weight (MD: -0.73, 95% CI: -1.35 to -0.11, P = 0.02), and diastolic blood pressure (MD: -3.78, 95% CI: -6.30 to -1.26, P = 0.003) were significantly lower. Moreover, the levels of sex hormone-binding protein (SMD: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.38, P = 0.004), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01-0.20, P = 0.03), total antioxidant capacity (SMD: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.31-0.87, P < 0.0001), and quantitative insulin sensitivity index (SMD: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01-0.02, P < 0.00001) were higher in patients with PCOS who took antioxidant supplements compared with the placebo group. Antioxidant supplements did not affect other analyzed parameters in these patients, including follicle-stimulating hormone, free androgen index, nitric oxide, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: Antioxidants are beneficial in treating PCOS. Our study might provide a new treatment strategy for patients with clinical PCOS. We hope that more high-quality studies evaluating the effects of antioxidants on patients with PCOS will be conducted in the future. Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023448088.

The effect of antioxidant supplementation on operated or non-operated varicocele-associated infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction In patients with varicocele-associated infertility, the effect of antioxidant supplementation on fertility is unknown. Objectives To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the role of antioxidant supplementation in patients with operated or non-operated varicocele. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus databases, as well as sources of grey literature until May 2021 (PROSPERO: CRD42021248195). We produced a qualitative synthesis of the main results extracted from the included studies. Based on data availability, we undertook an inverse variance, random effects meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs) to determine the pregnancy rate after antioxidant supplementation versus no treatment in patients undergoing surgical repair of varicocele at three and six months of treatment. In these patients, we determined the effect of antioxidant supplementation versus no treatment or placebo on semen parameters (concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation). Results We included 14 studies (980 individuals) in the systematic review. Of the 14 studies, 2 explored the effect of antioxidant supplementation in patients with non-operated varicocele, 1 compared antioxidants versus surgical repair of varicocele, while 11 explored antioxidants after surgical repair of varicocele and were also included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pregnancy rates, no significant differences were demonstrated after treatment with antioxidants versus no treatment at three (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 0.7–7.48) and six months (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 0.62–5.72). Accordingly, contradictory findings were reported in sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, as well as DNA fragmentation. Conclusions Our findings indicate that antioxidant supplementation does not improve pregnancy rates and semen parameters in patients with varicocele-associated infertility, in the absence of previous screening for oxidative stress. Based on the previous notion, most included studies also raised methodological concerns. Therefore, definitive conclusions about the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in this setting cannot be drawn and further research on the field is mandatory. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

The Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Operated or Non-Operated Varicocele-Associated Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In patients with varicocele-associated infertility, the effect of antioxidant supplementation on fertility is unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore their role in patients with operated or non-operated varicocele. We searched major databases and sources of grey literature until May 2021 (PROSPERO: CRD42021248195). We included 14 studies (980 individuals) in the systematic review. Of the 14 studies, 2 explored the effect of antioxidant supplementation in patients with non-operated varicocele, 1 compared antioxidants versus surgical repair of varicocele, while 11 explored antioxidants after surgical repair of varicocele and were also included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pregnancy rates, no significant differences were demonstrated after treatment with antioxidants versus no treatment at three (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 0.7–7.48) and six months (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 0.62–5.72). Accordingly, contradictory findings were reported in sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, as well as DNA fragmentation. Our findings indicate that antioxidant supplementation does not improve pregnancy rates and semen parameters in patients with varicocele-associated infertility, in the absence of previous screening for oxidative stress. Based on the previous notion, most included studies also raised methodological concerns. Therefore, definitive conclusions about the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in this setting cannot be drawn and further research on the field is mandatory.

Compromised Renal and Hepatic Functions and Unsteady Cellular Redox State during Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

To assess renal and hepatic functions along with the redox state in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancies. The study was conducted on 33 PE (mean age = 30 ± 5 years), 33 GDM (mean age = 30 ± 6 years) and age, gravida, parity, and ethnicity matched 25 normal pregnancies (NP). Biomarkers of redox status, renal and hepatic functions; aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, lipid peroxidation (MDA), total thiols (TSH), radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant potentials of serum were measured. Higher urea, BUN, uric acid, creatinine and overexpressed AST, ALT, ALP was observed in PE (p <0.03-p<0.001), whereas in GDM elevation in creatinine and ALT activity were only statistically significant (p <0.01) in comparison to NP. Diminished antioxidant/radical scavenging potentials, TSH content and increased MDA were noted in both the diseased pregnancies when compared with NP with statistically significant variables ranged from p <0.04-p <0.0001. Our data suggest that PE has detrimental effects on renal and hepatic functions while GDM are prone to malfunctioned liver and kidney performances. Impaired redox state may be one of the reasons of altered physiological process in PE and GDM pregnancies. Results may be used to monitor the efficiency and efficacy of antioxidant supplementation, recently suggested for PE and GDM patients.

Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplementation on Conventional and Advanced Sperm Function Tests in Patients with Idiopathic Male Infertility.

Antioxidants are used in the empirical treatment of infertile men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antioxidant therapy on conventional semen parameters and advanced sperm function tests in men seeking fertility treatment. A total of 148 infertile men of unknown etiology were divided into idiopathic (n = 119) and unexplained male infertility (UMI; n = 29). All participants were treated with the antioxidant supplement ‘FH PRO for Men’ for a period of three months. Compared with pretreatment results, there was a significant improvement in conventional semen parameters including sperm concentration, total and progressive motility and normal morphology, and seminal oxidation reduction potential (ORP), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in idiopathic infertile men. The changes were more prominent in idiopathic infertile men positive for ORP and SDF. UMI patients showed an improvement in progressive motility, ORP, and SDF after antioxidant treatment. Statistical analysis revealed that the efficacy of FH PRO for Men was significant in idiopathic male infertility compared with UMI. Treatment of idiopathic male infertility patients with the FH PRO for Men antioxidant regimen for three months resulted in a significant improvement in conventional semen parameters and sperm function. Therefore, FH PRO for Men offers promise for the medical treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

Oxidative Stress Levels in Orthodontic Patients and Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplements in Combating Its Effects- A Randomized Clinical Study

Introduction: Orthodontic appliances are considered to be biocompatible although adverse effects attributed to release of nickel ion which are free radicals in oral cavity. These free radical produce damages both in cellular and extracellular components phospholipid membrane, proteins, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA leading to Oxidative stress which is normally counter balanced by the action antioxidant mechanisms. However in higher concentrations of free radicals resulting in cellular death and apoptosis Orthodontic appliances such as brackets, wire, resins has considered as potential allergen leading to release of free radicals. The study was conducted to determine and compare the role of oxidative stress and role of antioxidants in saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliances therapy at different time intervals.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Method: A double-blinded, parallel, randomized clinical study was designed consisting of 40 healthy participants, aged 15-30yrs. The samples were divided into two groups Group A without antioxidants supplements and Group B with antioxidants supplements. Salivary MDA levels and gingival health index was recorded at different time intervals from each group. Salivary Lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) level was estimated using Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method and gingival status was investigated using Silness &amp; Loe gingival index. Intragroup and intergroup comparison was statistically analyzed using student’s paired T test.&#x0D; Result: Increased salivary MDA levels and mild to moderate amount of gingivitis is seen in both groups. This is more pronounced after 24 hours of appliance placement. Improvement in salivary MDA levels and gingival health status is observed during the course of treatment, In Group B the salivary MDA levels and gingival health index score reached below their pretreatment values. However even after a span of 3 months the levels remained higher to their base values in Group A.&#x0D; Conclusion: Improvement in salivary MDA levels and gingival health status is observed following antioxidant therapy during course of treatment, indicating combating nature of antioxidant supplements in orthodontic patients.

Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation on conventional and advanced sperm function tests in patients with idiopathic male infertility

Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation on conventional and advanced sperm function tests in patients with idiopathic male infertility

Antioxidant Supplements and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide and the most frequent one among women. Some studies suggest a favorable role of antioxidants on breast cancer, but this is still controversial. Objectives: The main objective of this article was to determine the safety and efficacy of antioxidant supplements on breast cancer. Data Sources: In order to gather evidence, main databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Trip, Google Scholar, Institute of Scientific Information (ISI), SCOPUS, and EMBASE) as well as relevant websites were searched without time limit up to November 2016. We searched with appropriate keywords and strategies. After the quality assessment of studies, study data were extracted by 2 reviewers. Because all the outcomes were dichotomous, relative risk by using the fixed-effects model proposed by Mantel-Hanzel was used in the meta-analysis. I² values were used for the evaluation of heterogeneity. Analyses were conducted, using review manager and CMA Software. Results: Out of 825 studies, 652 studies were entered firstly and 14 RCTs were selected after the final review. There was not significant difference between Antioxidant and Placebo group in breast cancer incidence (P = 0.88), quality of life (P = 0.79), daily hot-flash score (P = 0.87) and toxicity such as nausea-vomiting (P = 0.87), diarrhea (P = 0.17), constipation (P = 0.35), fatigue (P = 0.14), alopecia (P = 0.22), anemia (P = 0.67), headaches (P = 0.73), leukopenia (P = 0.2), and Neutropenia (P = 0.08). Conclusions: The results of our meta-analysis do not support the effectiveness of antioxidants in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Also, this study showed that there is no sufficient clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of these supplements during the treatment of patients with breast cancer. It is recommended that clinician do not emphasize on these supplements in breast cancer treatment.

Influence of mitochondrial dynamics by selenium in trophoblasts

Influence of mitochondrial dynamics by selenium in trophoblasts

Exploring the Role of Genetic Variability and Lifestyle in Oxidative Stress Response for Healthy Aging and Longevity

Oxidative stress is both the cause and consequence of impaired functional homeostasis characterizing human aging. The worsening efficiency of stress response with age represents a health risk and leads to the onset and accrual of major age-related diseases. In contrast, centenarians seem to have evolved conservative stress response mechanisms, probably derived from a combination of a diet rich in natural antioxidants, an active lifestyle and a favorable genetic background, particularly rich in genetic variants able to counteract the stress overload at the level of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The integration of these factors could allow centenarians to maintain moderate levels of free radicals that exert beneficial signaling and modulator effects on cellular metabolism. Considering the hot debate on the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in promoting healthy aging, in this review we gathered the existing information regarding genetic variability and lifestyle factors which potentially modulate the stress response at old age. Evidence reported here suggests that the integration of lifestyle factors (moderate physical activity and healthy nutrition) and genetic background could shift the balance in favor of the antioxidant cellular machinery by activating appropriate defense mechanisms in response to exceeding external and internal stress levels, and thus possibly achieving the prospect of living a longer life.

Nutrient Supplementation: Improving Male Fertility Fourfold

Oxidative stress can contribute to impairment in spermatogenesis leading to male-factor infertility. The effectiveness of various antioxidants (such as carnitine, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids, glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, zinc, folic acid, and coenzyme Q10) is variable with respect to improving semen parameters and pregnancy rates. A recent Cochrane review determined that men taking antioxidants had a statistically significant increase in both live birth rates and pregnancy rates. For those undergoing assisted reproduction, the odds ratio that antioxidant use would improve pregnancy rates was 4.18, with a 4.85-fold improvement in live birth rate also noted. Further investigation with randomized, controlled clinical trials is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in the medical management and treatment of male infertility.

Antioxidants and diabetes

Hyperglycemia promotes auto-oxidation of glucose to form free radicals. The generation of free radicals beyond the scavenging abilities of endogenous antioxidant defenses results in macro- and microvascular dysfunction.Antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine, vitamin C and α-lipoic acid are effective in reducing diabetic complications, indicating that it may be beneficial either by ingestion of natural antioxidants or through dietary supplementation. However, while antioxidants are proving essential tools in the investigation of oxidant stress-related diabetic pathologies and despite the obvious potential merit of a replacement style therapy, the safety and efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in any future treatment, remains to be established

Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplementation in Reducing Primary Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplementation in Reducing Primary Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplementation in Reducing Primary Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

To estimate the association between antioxidant use and primary cancer incidence and mortality and to evaluate these effects across specific antioxidant compounds, target organs, and participant subgroups. Multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index) were searched from their dates of inception until August 2005 to identify eligible randomized clinical trials. Random effects meta-analyses estimated pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) that described the effect of antioxidants vs placebo on cancer incidence and cancer mortality. Twelve eligible trials, 9 of high methodological quality, were identified (total subject population, 104,196). Antioxidant supplementation did not significantly reduce total cancer incidence (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.94-1.04) or mortality (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.92-1.15) or any site-specific cancer incidence. Beta carotene supplementation was associated with an increase in the incidence of cancer among smokers (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.10) and with a trend toward increased cancer mortality (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.98-1.37). Selenium supplementation was associated with reduced cancer incidence in men (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.92) but not in women (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.89-1.13, value for interaction, P< .001) and with reduced cancer mortality (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94). Vitamin E supplementation had no apparent effect on overall cancer incidence (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.94-1.04) or cancer mortality (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.97-1.12). Beta carotene supplementation appeared to increase cancer incidence and cancer mortality among smokers, whereas vitamin E supplementation had no effect. Selenium supplementation might have anticarcinogenic effects in men and thus requires further research.

Morphological, Biochemical and Ultrastructural Changes in the Pregnant Rat Placenta and the Liver of their Fetuses Treated with Folic Acid and / or Gamma Radiation

Backgrounds: The efficacy of antioxidant supplementation and oxidative stress of gamma irradiation for and during pregnancy is poorly established. The present study aimed to detect the toxic effects of high dose of folic acid and / or gamma radiation on the placenta of pregnant rat and the liver of their fetuses. Material and Methods: Pregnant albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as a control, the second group received oral intake of folic acid (5 mg/kg) from the 5th to 20th day of gestation, the third group was irradiated with gamma radiation (3Gy, as fractionated doses (1Gy/ 3 times) on each 5th, 10th and 15th days of gestation, the fourth group was imanaged with combined treatment. The pregnant rats were sacrified after 20 days of pregnancy and samples were taken from the blood, placenta and the fetal liver for the morphological, biochemical and electron microscopic studies. Results: The present results showed a significant elevation in serum gamma glutamyltransferase (GT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in placental tissue of pregnant rats associated with an increase of phosphorus content in liver of fetuses. Fetal malformations including: protrusion, anotia, short neck dactylomegaly, subcutaneous haemorrhage, paralysis in the fore limbs and congested blood vessels. The ultrastructural changes revealed sever damage in the placenta following folic acid administration and / or exposure to whole body gamma radiation. Also the fetal liver showed an appearent signs of damage under the combined treatment. The obtained changes were represented by: dilatation of the blood sinsoids, swollen mitochondria, fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum and necrosis. Conclusion: It could be concluded that administration of folic acid and/or exposure to gamma radiation during pregnancy induced morphological, biochemical and ultrastructural changes in both placenta of the pregnant rats and liver of their fetuses.

Morphological, Biochemical and Ultrastructural Changes in the Pregnant Rat Placenta and the Liver of their Fetuses Treated with Folic Acid and / or Gamma Radiation

Backgrounds: The efficacy of antioxidant supplementation and oxidative stress of gamma irradiation for and during pregnancy is poorly established. The present study aimed to detect the toxic effects of high dose of folic acid and / or gamma radiation on the placenta of pregnant rat and the liver of their fetuses. Material and Methods: Pregnant albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as a control, the second group received oral intake of folic acid (5 mg/kg) from the 5th to 20th day of gestation, the third group was irradiated with gamma radiation (3Gy, as fractionated doses (1Gy/ 3 times) on each 5th, 10th and 15th days of gestation, the fourth group was imanaged with combined treatment. The pregnant rats were sacrified after 20 days of pregnancy and samples were taken from the blood, placenta and the fetal liver for the morphological, biochemical and electron microscopic studies. Results: The present results showed a significant elevation in serum gamma glutamyltransferase (GT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in placental tissue of pregnant rats associated with an increase of phosphorus content in liver of fetuses. Fetal malformations including: protrusion, anotia, short neck dactylomegaly, subcutaneous haemorrhage, paralysis in the fore limbs and congested blood vessels. The ultrastructural changes revealed sever damage in the placenta following folic acid administration and / or exposure to whole body gamma radiation. Also the fetal liver showed an appearent signs of damage under the combined treatment. The obtained changes were represented by: dilatation of the blood sinsoids, swollen mitochondria, fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum and necrosis. Conclusion: It could be concluded that administration of folic acid and/or exposure to gamma radiation during pregnancy induced morphological, biochemical and ultrastructural changes in both placenta of the pregnant rats and liver of their fetuses.

Dietary Supplementation of Vitamin E and α-lipoic Acid Upregulates Cell Growth and Signaling Genes in Rat Myocardium

The efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in the prevention of cardiovascular disease appears equivocal, however the use of more potent antioxidant combinations than those traditionally used may exert a more positive effect. We have shown previously that supplementation of vitamin E and α-lipoic acid increases cardiac performance during post-ischemia reperfusion in older rats and increases Bcl-2 levels in endothelial cells. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin E and α-lipoic acid supplementation on myocardial gene expression with a view to determine their mechanism of action. Young male rats received either a control (n=7) or vitamin E and α-lipoic acid supplemented diet (n=8) for 14 weeks. RNA from myocardial tissue was then amplified and samples were pooled within groups and competitively hybridized to 5K oligonucleotide rat microarrays. The relative expression of each gene was then compared to the control sample. Animals that received the antioxidant-supplemented diet exhibited upregulation (&gt;1.5×) of 13 genes in the myocardium with 2 genes downregulated. Upregulated genes include those involved in cell growth and maintenance (LynB, Csf1r, Akt2, Tp53), cell signaling (LynB, Csf1r) and signal transduction (Pacsin2, Csf1r). Downregulated genes encode thyroid (Thrsp) and F-actin binding proteins (Nexilin).

Tomato-based functional food as interferon adjuvant in HCV eradication therapy.

The authors conducted a study to verify whether supplementation with an antioxidant-rich tomato-based functional food reduces anemia during pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the physiopathology of hemolytic anemia during ribavirin therapy. The efficacy of antioxidant supplementation with vitamins C and E as pure compounds, is still controversial. A functional food with a high content of natural antioxidants and with high carotenoid bioavailability was developed. The authors enrolled 92 patients with chronic hepatitis C, treated with standard combination therapy. Forty-six of them received a daily dose (100 g) of functional food (group 1), and 46 did not (group 2). The effect of antioxidant activity was assessed comparing compliance with the full dose of ribavirin and hemoglobin levels during the first 3 months of treatment. Only 8.7% of patients in group 1 had to reduce their daily ribavirin dose, whereas ribavirin reduction was necessary for 30.4% of patients in group 2 (P = 0.09). Hemoglobin levels showed significant differences at 15, 30, and 90 days during the observation time. Results demonstrated that the authors' functional food reduces the severity of ribavirin-related anemia and improves the tolerance to the full dose of ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C.