Supplementation Period Research Articles

Effects of zinc supplementation on glycemic control and oxidative stress in experimental diabetes: A systematic review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), an important public health problem worldwide, can cause imbalances in the homeostasis of trace elements such as zinc (Zn). It is possible that an adequate nutritional status related to nutrients is essential for the normal functioning of antioxidant defense systems, and any change in the concentration of these substances could increase the chances of DM complications. To present a review on the effect of zinc supplementation on glycemic control and oxidative stress in experimental diabetes. This is a systematic review of articles that investigated the effects of zinc supplementation on glycemic control and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. The PICOS strategy was used for the development of the research question, and the Syrcle tool for the quality assessment of the studies included in the review. Articles available in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were included without restriction on year of publication. The Syrcle tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Fifteen studies were included in the review, seven of which evaluated glycemic control and oxidative stress after zinc supplementation, five only oxidative stress and three only glycemic control after zinc treatment. In all the studies included, diabetes was induced by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at doses ranging from 40 to 100mg/kg. Zinc supplementation was made in the diet or drinking water or by gavage or intraperitoneal injection. The most used doses were 100mg/kg of body weight by gavage and 0.32 and 0.64g/kg in diet. The supplementation period ranged from 14 days to 8 weeks. Six studies revealed that zinc supplementation decreased fasting blood glucose as well as insulin resistance; nine studies included in this review reported decreased MDA concentration; in five studies, there was an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD, GSH and catalase); and one of the studies reported a reduction in glycated hemoglobin. Zinc supplementation improved hyperglycemia and revealed a protective potential against oxidative stress associated with experimental diabetes.

Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with GliSODin on Parameters of Muscle Damages, Metabolic, and Work Performance at International Level Rowers after Specific Maximal Effort.

Simple SummaryIntensive physical activity can cause some deleterious effects on athletes’ health and sports performance. One of the main reasons for these effects seems to be oxidative stress. Therefore, this study was conducted to see if supplementation with an enzymatic antioxidant containing superoxide dismutase of plant origin, GliSODin, could reduce some negative effects of oxidative stress connected to exhaustive exercise. According to the results of this study, it was concluded that supplementation with GliSODin can protect athletes from muscle damage and decrease inflammation caused by intensive physical activity and have some positive influence on the sports performance of elite rowers. Therefore, more studies with a larger number of participants are needed to confirm this positive effect of GliSODin supplementation.This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with plant origin superoxide dismutase (SOD), GliSODin, on parameters of muscle damage, metabolic, and work performance at international level rowers. Twenty-eight rowers were included in a randomized, double-blind study. The study was conducted during a 6-week preparation period. At the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of the supplementation period, all rowers were tested on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before and after every ergometer testing. Muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), inflammation parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Rowing performance was assessed by lactate level in capillary blood and power output on the rowing ergometer. After supplementation, experimental group had significantly lower CK (p = 0.049) and IL-6 (p = 0.035) before and IL-6 (p = 0.050) after exhausting exercise on ergometer. Relative change of power output at 4 mmol/L concentration of lactate in blood, considering the initial and final test, was significantly higher (p = 0.020) in the supplemented group. It was concluded that GliSODin could be considered a good supplement in preventing some deleterious effects of intensive physical activity, including inflammation and muscle damage, and consequently, to enable a better rowing performance of elite rowers.

Lipid modulatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids in children with sickle cell disease

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest prevalent blood inherited disorders, accompanied by inflammation, oxidative stress, pain and alterations in the membrane lipid composition. These have harmful impacts on the cardiovascular system, making it important to address the hypolipidemia observed in these patients at an early age, for effective treatment strategies. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to positively modulate the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane. Being a dietary supplement, having multi benefits, they seem to be ideal nutrients which could be tried out for lipid modulation in these patients. Objective- In this study, we explore the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in rectifying the lipid profile changes in pediatric SCD patients, in a small prospective interventional trial. Methods- Omega-3 fatty acids were orally given to forty-three pediatric patients with SCD for a period of six months, and their lipid profile markers studied, before and after the supplementation period. Results and Conclusion- Improvement in the lipid profile was observed after omega-3 supplementation, resulting in overall favorable changes. Omega3 fatty acids may therefore possibly be used as effective and safe add on supplements during therapy, to reduce the complications accompanying SCD.

The effect of probiotics on postsurgical complications in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clinical trials have investigated the effect of probiotics on postsurgical complications in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, so far, there are no systematic reviews evaluating the effect of probiotics and synbiotics on the clinical or infectious postsurgical complications of colorectal cancer. The objective of this review was to synthesize the best available evidence on the effects of the use of probiotics or synbiotics on pre-, peri-, and post-operative complications of CRC surgical resection. A search of the PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for clinical trials published up until January 2022. The population characteristics, period and protocol of supplementation, and postoperative complications were extracted and reported. A random-effects model was used to estimate the effect of probiotic and synbiotic treatment on these variables. In total, 2518 studies were identified, of which 16 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 13 in the meta-analysis. Overall, probiotic supplementation reduced the incidence of ileus (odds ratio [OR] = .13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .02, .78), diarrhea (OR = .32, 95% CI: .15, .69), abdominal collection (OR: .35, 95% CI: .13, .92), sepsis (OR = .41, 95% CI: .22, .80), pneumonia (OR = .39, 95% CI: .19, .83), and surgical site infection (OR = .53, 95% CI: .36, .78). The results of the subgroup analysis indicated that lower dose (<109 colony-forming units), higher duration of supplementation (>14 days), and being administrated ≤5 days before and >10 days after surgery was more effective at reducing the incidence of surgical site infection. Probiotics and synbiotics seem to be a promising strategy for the prevention of postoperative complications after CRC surgery. Larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the optimal treatment protocol for the use of probiotics and synbiotics in preventing postoperative complications for CRC surgery.

Preventive and healing effect of high dosing grape seed flour on CKD patients of various stages and aetiologies

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health concern characterised by a progressive alteration of renal function, and obesity, diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors. Oxidative stress is commonly observed in CKD patients resulting from an imbalance between overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of defense mechanisms. Therefore, strategies that alleviate oxidative stress may have major clinical implications towards improving vascular health and reducing the burden of CKD. Also, CKD worsens the quality of life of patients, therefore it is fundamental to implement new therapeutic strategies aimed at slowing down its progression. Materials and methods This interventional study is a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial consisting at the daily oral supplementation with high dosing grape seed flour (GSF ≈ 1 g/kg) for experimental (n = 30) or starch for placebo (n = 10) to patients suffering from CKD of various stages and aetiologies. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and after a six-month-long supplementation period to follow up the disease evolution through the determination of renal function biomarkers, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood parameters. Results Supplementation with high dosing GSF was safe and well tolerated during the entire period of investigation. GSF clearly improved the main renal function biomarkers as GFR, proteinuria, blood pressure, oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the overall patient welfare as indicated by several blood parameters. Conclusion Most importantly high dosing GSF specifically halted and even reversed the progression of diabetic nephropathy a major cause of CKD and end stage renal disease.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Prebiotic Intervention with Polyphenols Extracted from European Black Elderberry-Sustained Expansion of Akkermansia spp.

(1) Background: The intestinal microbiome has emerged as a central factor in human physiology and its alteration has been associated with disease. Therefore, great hopes are placed in microbiota-modulating strategies. Among various approaches, prebiotics, substrates with selective metabolization conferring a health benefit to the host, are promising candidates. Herein, we studied the prebiotic properties of a purified extract from European black elderberries, with a high and standardized content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. (2) Methods: The ELDERGUT trial represents a 9-week longitudinal intervention study divided into 3 distinct phases, namely a baseline, an intervention and a washout period, three weeks each. The intervention consisted of capsules containing 300 mg elderberry extract taken twice a day. Patient-reported outcomes and biosamples were collected weekly. Microbiome composition was assessed using 16S amplicon metagenomics. (3) Results: The supplementation was well tolerated. Microbiome trajectories were highly individualized with a profound shift in diversity indices immediately upon initiation and after termination of the compound. This was accompanied by corresponding changes in species abundance over time. Of particular interest, the relative abundance of Akkermansia spp. continued to increase in a subset of participants even beyond the supplementation period. Associations with participant metadata were detected.

Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Performance and Muscle Oxygenation during Resistance Exercise in Men.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of acute and short-term nitrate (NO3−)-rich beetroot juice (BR) supplementation on performance outcomes and muscle oxygenation during bench press and back squat exercise. Fourteen recreationally active males were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to supplement for 4 days in two conditions: (1) NO3−-depleted beetroot juice (PL; 0.10 mmol NO3− per day) and (2) BR (11.8 mmol NO3− per day). On days 1 and 4 of the supplementation periods, participants completed 2 sets of 2 × 70%1RM interspersed by 2 min of recovery, followed by one set of repetitions-to-failure (RTF) at 60%1RM for the determination of muscular power, velocity, and endurance. Quadriceps and pectoralis major tissue saturation index (TSI) were measured throughout exercise. Plasma [NO3−] and nitrite ([NO2−]) were higher after 1 and 4 days of supplementation with BR compared to PL (p < 0.05). Quadriceps and pectoralis major TSI were not different between conditions (p > 0.05). The number of RTF in bench press was 5% greater after acute BR ingestion compared to PL (PL: 23 ± 4 vs. BR: 24 ± 5, p < 0.05). There were no differences between BR and PL for RTF for back squat or power and velocity for back squat or bench press (p > 0.05). These data improve understanding on the ergogenic potential of BR supplementation during resistance exercise.

Effect of supplementation and withdrawal of selenium-enriched kale sprouts on productivity and egg selenium concentration of laying hens.

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of supplementation and withdrawal of selenium-enriched kale sprouts (SeKS) on productivity and egg Se concentration of laying hens. Selenium from commercial Se-enriched yeast (SeY) was used as a comparative Se source. One-hundred and eighty 61-week-old laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 4 replicates (9 hens each) in a 2×2+1 Augmented Factorial Experiment in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.2 and 0.4 mg Se/kg from SeKS and SeY, respectively. The 8-week feeding trial was divided into 2 periods, namely the Se supplemental period (week 1 to 4) and the Se withdrawal period (week 5 to 8). Productive performance, egg quality and egg Se concentration of laying hens were not affected by sources of Se (SeKS and SeY) during both, the Se supplemental and withdrawal periods. Egg production and egg Se concentration increased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of Se supplementation. The egg Se concentration increased and reached a peak 1 week after Se supplementation. However, concentration of Se in eggs of hens fed Se from both sources decreased rapidly from the second week of the Se withdrawal period to reach the same egg Se concentration of hens fed the basal diet by the fourth week of the Se withdrawal period. The efficacy of Se from SeKS on productivity and egg Se concentration in laying hens was comparable to commercial SeY. Thus, SeKS can provide an alternate organic Se source for production of Se-enriched eggs.

Preventive Effects of Mandarin Fruit Peel Hydroethanolic Extract, Hesperidin, and Quercetin on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatonephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Acetaminophen, also known as N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (NAPAP), is a traditional antipyretic and analgesic that is used extensively around the world to treat colds and fevers. However, a NAPAP excess causes rapid, severe liver and kidney damage. The goal of the study was to examine the protective effects and determine the mechanisms of action of MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin in NAPAP-induced hepatorenal damage in Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats received a 0.5 g/kg oral supplement of NAPAP every other day for a period of four weeks. During the same period of NAPAP supplementation, MPHE (50 mg/kg), quercetin (20 mg/kg), and hesperidin (20 mg/kg) were administered to rats receiving NAPAP. MPHE, quercetin, and hesperidin treatments significantly improved liver function in NAPAP-supplemented rats. The high serum levels of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyl transferase as well as total bilirubin were significantly reduced, while the levels of suppressed serum albumin were significantly increased, demonstrating this improvement. Treatments utilizing these natural substances significantly enhanced kidney function as seen by a considerable decline in the increased blood levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine. Additionally, the injection of MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin resulted in a decrease in the quantity of lipid peroxides while increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and kidneys. The treatments markedly abated the NAPAP-induced liver and kidney histological perturbations and reduced the NAPAP-induced serum tumor necrosis factor-α level and liver and kidney proapoptotic protein 53 and caspase 3 expressions. Otherwise, serum interleukin-4 level significantly increased by treatments. The MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin treatments resulted in marked decrease in liver and kidney histopathological scores including inflammation, necrosis, apoptosis, and congestion. In conclusion, the MPHE, quercetin, and hesperidin may induce hepatonephropreventive impacts in NAPAP-supplemented rats via enhancing the antioxidant defense system, anti-inflammatory activity, and antiapoptotic action.

Effects Of Chronic Beta-alanine Ingestion On 800 m Run Performance In A Cadet Population

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of 28 days of beta-alanine (BA) supplementation on 800 meter running performance. METHODS: Eight male cadets (20.5 +/- 1.5 yrs) volunteered to participate in this 28-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: placebo (PLA; 1.5 g dextrose; n = 4) or Beta-Alanine (BA; 1.5 g BA; n = 4). The supplement was ingested 2 times per day on every training day of which there were 5 a week. The subjects performed two timed, 800 m runs, one on Day 1 of the supplementation period and one on day 28. A two-sample t-test was used to determine if significant differences were present between the performance times of the two groups. A percent increase/decrease evaluation was also used to analyze the changes to performance times over the 4-week training period. RESULTS: Performance time before and after the chronic BA or PLA ingestion did not differ significantly (p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that BA had no effect on 800 m performance at this specific dose over a 4-week supplementation period. This is contrary to the findings of previous studies and further research is needed to determine the effect of BA on 800 m run and performance of other anaerobic endurance tests.

Effects of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarumIMC 510 supplementation on metabolic factors in otherwise healthy overweight and obese individuals.

Probiotic supplementation approach offers the possibility to shape the gut microbiota (GM), enabling the development of innovative formulations able to improve intestinal well-being and consequently the related body weight modulation and energy metabolism. In the present clinical study, a new potential probiotic supplement based on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC 510 was studied for weight management. Quantitative characterization by qPCR of representative bacterial groups of GM was used to determine the microbiota modulation at different supplementation periods. Furthermore, measurement of the endpoints linked to weight control (body mass index, body weight, waist circumference) was assessed. Specific questionnaires to evaluate the impact on psychological and physiological point of view were performed. Results showed that after 90 days, Lact. plantarum IMC 510 supplementation brought an improvement in endpoints linked to weight control and healthy status, although no significant changes in the microbiota composition were reported for analysed bacterial groups, except for Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. We concluded that Lact. plantarum IMC 510 supplementation could be an interesting tool for weight management. More studies are needed to understand the impact on GM, for example, evaluating the production of short-chain fatty acids, since their important role in dietary metabolism. Further research is necessary to better elucidate the relationship between GM and overweight and the mechanism of action by which Lact. plantarum IMC 510 modifies body weight. However, these promising outcomes represent a clear advantage of probiotic supplementation and identify a new potential probiotic as a novel and safe therapeutic approach in the obesity prevention and management.

Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. supplementation on Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Markers: A Pilot Study

Tribulus terrestris L. contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine whether Tribulus terrestris L. supplementation can attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses to acute aerobic exercise and improve DOMS. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study, thirteen healthy men received either a daily supplement of Tribulus terrestris L. or a placebo for 4 weeks (2-week wash-out period between trials). Before and after the supplementation periods, participants performed an exercise test to exhaustion (75% VO2max). DOMS, thigh girth, and knee joint range of motion (KJRM) were assessed before and after the exercise (2, 24, and 48 h). Blood samples were analyzed for reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, GSH/GSSG ratio, protein carbonyls, total antioxidant capacity, creatine kinase activity, white blood cell count, and TBARS. Acute exercise to exhaustion induced inflammatory responses and changed the blood redox status in both Tribulus and Placebo groups (p < 0.050). Tribulus terrestris L. improved GSH fall (p = 0.005), GSSG rise (p = 0.001) and maintained a higher level of GSH/GSSG ratio at the 2 h point (p = 0.034). TBARS were lowered, protein carbonyls, creatine kinase activity, and white blood cell count elevation diminished significantly (p < 0.050). Tribulus terrestris L. administration did not affect DOMS, thigh girth, or KJRM (p > 0.050). 4-weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. supplementation effectively attenuates oxidative stress responses but cannot improve DOMS.

One-Week L-Arginine Supplementation Had No Effect on 200m Freestyle Swimming Time Trial in Moderately-Trained Male Swimmers

Research on the effect of L-arginine supplementation on exercise performance is still inconsistent and its influence on single-bout swimming performance has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess if one-week L-arginine supplementation would enhance 200-m freestyle swimming performance in trained/developmental (regularly training ∼3 times per week with a purpose to compete) male swimmers. In a randomized, cross-over, double-blind design, 8 trained/developmental male swimmers (age 25 ± 5 years; mean ± SD) completed 200-m freestyle swimming time-trial on 3 separate occasions: a control trial; and after 2 separate 7-d supplementation periods, with a daily dose of either 8 g/d of L-arginine or placebo trials. Blood lactate concentration was measured immediately post time-trial swimming. Completion time of the 200-m freestyle swimming time-trial did not differ significantly (F = 4.55; P = 0.060; ŋp2 = 0.394) between control (149.40 ± 9.88 s), L-arginine (146.02 ± 10.34 s) and placebo trials (147.58 ± 10.86 s). There was no statistically significant difference in post time-trial swimming blood lactate concentration between trials (control: 11.2 ± 2.7; L-arginine: 13.1 ± 1.8; Placebo: 12.2 ± 2.7, F = 3.52; P = 0.058; ŋp2 = 0.335). One-week of supplementation with 8 g/d of L-arginine, had no ergogenic effect on middle-distance (200-m), freestyle swimming performance in trained/developmental male swimmers.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study to investigate the efficacy of Rest-ZZZ formula in healthy participants with occasional sleeplessness

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of Rest-ZZZ, a natural sleep supplement, in healthy adults without a diagnosed sleep disorder. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study consisted of three 7-day supplementation periods with either Rest-ZZZ, Diphenhydramine (DPH), or Placebo, with a 7-day washout. Twenty-seven participants were randomized to one of three intervention sequences and the Healthy People Sleep Quality Index (HPSQI), Quality of Life (QoL), and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires were assessed at the beginning and end of each supplementation period. Rest-ZZZ and Placebo showed improvements in sleep-related QoL (p ≤ 0.044) and total mood disturbance (TMD) (p = ≤ 0.028). Fatigue–Inertia was reduced by all study products (p ≤ 0.031). DPH did not result in any significant improvements on sleep quality parameters. A subgroup analysis of participants ≤ 45 years found enhanced efficacy of Rest-ZZZ and improvement in sleep-related QoL vs. Placebo (p = 0.007), as well as improvements in sleep duration (p = 0.007), sleep debt (p = 0.011), and sleep-related QoL (p = 0.033). DPH supplementation resulted in significant improvement in only sleep debt (p = 0.038). Rest-ZZZ had a safe hematology and chemistry profile. Rest-ZZZ resulted in restful sleep that generated corresponding improvements in sleep-related QoL and overall mood. Rest-ZZZ is an efficacious sleep supplement with a favorable safety profile, particularly in those aged 25–45 years.

Protective and therapeutic effectiveness of taurine supplementation plus low calorie diet on metabolic parameters and endothelial markers in patients with diabetes mellitus: a randomized, clinical trial

BackgroundTaurine supplementation as a sulfur-containing amino acid may attenuate and/or alleviate diabetes-induced complications and endothelial dysfunction via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of Taurine supplementation on endothelial dysfunction markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsIn the current clinical trial, 120 patients with T2DM were randomly allocated to take either Taurine (containing 1 g Taurine, n = 60) or placebo (n = 60) three times per day for an eight-week period. Moreover, all patients were on a low-calorie diet. The primary outcome was fasting blood glucose (FBG) and endothelial markers including sera intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9). The secondary outcome was dietary intake, anthropometric indices, serum insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid profile.ResultsAfter 8 weeks, Taurine-supplemented patients had a considerable decrease in serum insulin and HOMA-IR compared to placebo group. However, Taurine supplementation did not improve other metabolic parameters including lipid profiles, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting blood glucose (FBG). There was a significant decline in MDA, TNF, and hs-CRP levels after these eight-week period of Taurine supplementation. In addition, the Taurine group had fewer serum levels of endothelial dysfunction markers than the placebo group.ConclusionsThe evidence from our study revealed that Taurine supplementation significantly reduced insulin and HOMA-IR, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial markers in individuals with T2DM.Trial registration The protocol of the study was recorded in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180712040438N3).

Effects of licorice root supplementation on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of licorice root supplementation on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 women with NAFLD were selected and randomly assigned into 2 groups to take 1,000 mg/day powder of licorice root extract or placebo for 12 weeks. In addition, all the patients were advised to follow a weight loss diet and healthy lifestyle. The plasma levels of liver enzymes, glycemic indices, lipid profile, oxidative stress parameters, as well as hepatic steatosis were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Through the 12-weeks period of supplementation, women who received powder of licorice root experienced a statistically significant improvement in alanine aminotransferase (p< .001), insulin (p= .002), insulin resistance (p= .003), malondialdehyde (p< .001) serum levels, and ultrasonographic findings of liver steatosis (p< .001), compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, licorice root supplementation in addition to gradual weight loss and lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone for the treatment of NAFLD.

Сirculation of carbon oxide depending on the energy efficiency of agriculture – regional aspect

Aim. To establish the relationship between energy efficiency of crop production with the balance of carbon monoxide during the period of increasing manure application (1956–1995) and its replacement by by-products as organic fertilizer and to develop a model of carbon monoxide and agrocenosis depending on energy costs in agriculture. AIC of Cherkasy region in the period from 1956 to 2020. Methods. Information-analytical, mathematical-statistical (correlation-regression, factor, method of nonparametric statistics). Results. The increase in energy efficiency in agriculture of the region's agro-industrial complex is associated with a decrease in the formation of humus from organic fertilizers, when the increase in Kee per unit was accompanied by a decrease in humus production of 0.16 million tons and accompanied by an increase in mineralization (Kee per unit was 2.42 million. tons of C-CO2 mineralization). During the period of manure application and supplementation with crop and root residues, the ratio of С-СО2, which passed from manure and crop residues to humus was in the range of 0.7–1.2 to 1, but due to the higher level of humification coefficients of crop and root residues mineralization of manure is a more intense source of C-CO2 emissions compared to the mineralization of crop and root residues, which are a stock factor of C-CO2. With the complete replacement of manure by side phytomass as an organic fertilizer, the emission of C-CO2 from the mineralization of its excess remains lower on average by 2.27 times compared to the period of manure application. Conclusions. With the growth of Kee, the level of mineral processes increases and the sequestration capacity of С-СО2 decreases (according to Ib humus and agrocenosis), agricultural productivity increases, but the fertility of agricultural lands decreases, which is typical for the period of manure application. When manure is replaced by by-products, the Kee, the level of mineralization processes and the increase of sequestration capacity of С-СО2 humus and agrocenosis decrease, which provides conditions for the formation of land fertility against the background of reduced agricultural productivity.

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed oil supplementation attenuates immunological stress and inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-challenged laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of PUFA-enriched rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed oil (RSO) supplementation in diets on the productive performance, plasma biochemical parameters, immune response, and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged laying hens. Two hundred and forty 25-wk-old Lohmann Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatments, each including 4 replicates with 12 birds per replicate. The control group and LPS-challenged group were fed a corn-soybean-basal diet; 3 RSO-supplemented groups were fed experimental diets containing 1, 2, and 4% RSO for a feeding period of 4 wk. On the 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 d of the RSO supplementation period of 4 wk, hens were injected intraperitoneally with LPS at 1 mg/kg body weight (challenge group and RSO-supplemented groups) or with the same amount of saline (control group). The results showed that the addition of RSO promoted laying performance by increasing egg production, total egg weight, daily egg mass, and feed intake in comparison to the LPS-challenged laying hens (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with laying hens stimulated with LPS, the analysis of blood cell and plasma parameters revealed that hens in RSO-supplemented groups had significantly lower levels (P < 0.05) of white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes (LYM), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, immunoglobulin A (IgA), triiodothyronine (T3), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Further, RSO supplementation significantly reduced the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) of the ileum, spleen, and liver in LPS-challenged laying hens (P < 0.05), suggesting that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of RSO is related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, RSO supplementation in diets could improve laying performance, attenuate immunological stress, and inhibit the inflammatory response in LPS-challenged laying hens, especially at the dietary inclusion of 4% RSO. This study will provide an insight into the application of RSO to positively contribute to overall health and welfare in laying hens.

FEATURES OF PERICONCEPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION IN FEMALES WITH EARLY GESTOSES IN ANAMNESIS

One of the most frequent complications in the fi rst trimester of pregnancy is vomiting inpregnant women. In the pre-pregnancy stage, there is a necessity to receive a suffi cientamount of diff erent micronutrients. Vitamin D supports immunologic adaptation of thebody to pregnancy and prevents the development of early gestoses.The aim of the study – to evaluate the eff ectiveness of developed complex periconceptionalsupplementation of females with vomiting during pregnancy in anamnesis.Materials and methods. We observed 100 females with early gestoses in anamnesis.The control group included 30 women with the physiologic course of pregnancy andchildbirth in anamnesis. All females of two groups were tested for vitamin D levels inblood serum. The women of the main group were divided into two subgroups: subgroupA included 50 patients who were getting periconceptional supplementation and subgroup B50 females who were not getting periconceptional supplementation. In the pre-pregnancy&#x0D; stage, the women in subgroup A were receiving Aquadetrim 2000 UI per day orally andElevit Pronatal mineral complex 1 tablet in the morning as vitamin during 3 monthsbefore the pregnancy and in the fi rst trimester.Results. At the beginning of the study, the start level of 25 (ОН)D in blood serum was25.9 ng/mL in subgroup A, 25.91 ng/mL in subgroup B, and 28.0 ng/mL in the womenof the control group. 18.0% of females from the main group and the women from the&#x0D; control group had registered suffi cient vitamin D levels (p&lt;0.05). During the two-month periconceptional supplementation period, we found a positive eff ect in subgroup&#x0D; A compared to the group B considering vitamin D amount: suffi cient vitamin D levelwas observed in 54% of women from subgroup A compared to 20% of females from thesubgroup B; insuffi ciency was present in 28% of patients from the subgroup A, and thedefi cit was seen in 18% from the same subgroup (p&lt;0.05). The amount of 25 (ОН)Din the blood serum of the women was 28.8 ng/mL in subgroup A and 25.84 ng/mL insubgroup B. The signs of vomiting in pregnant females were observed only in 10 patientsfrom subgroup A that was 20.8%, and in the compared group this occurred in 25 women(62.5%). The females from the main group had prevailed mild symptoms of vomiting andthe ones from the compared group had more severe symptoms of vomiting.Conclusions. During the periconceptional supplementation with Aquadetrim 2000 UIper day orally and Elevit Pronatal mineral complex, the number of cases of vitamin Dinsuffi ciency and defi cit decrease (p&lt;0.05), which has a positive infl uence on furtherpregnancy course. While using the proposed periconceptional supplementation, thepercent of occurred pregnancies was reliably higher namely 96% compared to 80%(p&lt;0.05). The patients from subgroup A had a reliably lower frequency of early gestosismanifestation (in 3 times) (p&lt;0.05).

Red Raspberry and Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation, Metabolic Biomarkers, and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

BackgroundEvidence suggests that the gut microbiota and cardiometabolic status are associated, suggesting dietary interventions that alter the microbiota may affect metabolic health. ObjectivesWe investigated whether supplementation with (poly)phenol-dense red raspberries (RRB), alone or with a fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotic, would improve biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in individuals with prediabetes (PreDM) and insulin resistance (IR) and whether the effects are related to modulation of the gut microbiota. MethodsAdults with PreDM-IR (n = 26; mean ± SEM age, 35 ± 2 years; fasting glucose, 5.7 ± 0.1 mmol/L; HOMA-IR, 3.3 ± 0.3) or who were metabolically healthy (reference group; n = 10; age, 31 ± 3 years; fasting glucose, 5.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L; HOMA-IR, 1.1 ± 0.1) participated in a randomized crossover trial with two 4-week supplementation periods, in which they consumed either RRB (125 g fresh equivalents) daily or RRB + 8g FOS daily, separated by a 4-week washout. The primary outcome variable was the change in the gut microbiota composition, assessed by shotgun sequencing before (baseline) and at the end of each supplementation period. Secondary outcomes were changes in glucoregulation, lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory status, and anthropometry. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03049631. ResultsIn PreDM-IR, RRB supplementation reduced hepatic-IR (−30.1% ± 14.6%; P = 0.04) and reduced plasma total and LDL cholesterol [−4.9% ± 1.8% (P = 0.04) and −7.2% ± 2.3% (P = 0.003), respectively] from baseline. Adding FOS (RRB + FOS) improved β-cell function [insulin secretion rate, +70.2% ± 32.8% (P = 0.02); Disposition Index, +94.4% ± 50.2% (P = 0.04)], but had no significant effect on plasma cholesterol compared to baseline. RRB increased Eubacterium eligens (2-fold) and decreased Ruminococcus gnavus (−60% ± 34%), whereas RRB + FOS increased Bifidobacterium spp. (4-fold) and decreased Blautia wexlerae (−23% ± 12%) from baseline (all P values ≤ 0.05). R. gnavus was positively correlated with hepatic-IR, and E. eligens and Bifidobacterium catenulatum were negatively correlated with cholesterol concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). ConclusionsIncreased Bifidobacterium spp., concurrently with reduced R. gnavus, was associated with metabolic improvements in adults with PreDM-IR, warranting further research on the mechanisms involved in (poly)phenol/FOS-microbial interactions with host metabolism.