Nutrition
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of synbiotic supplementation on microbiota-derived protein-bound uremic toxins, systemic inflammation, and biochemical parameters in patients on hemodialysis: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.
The generation of key nephrovascular protein-bound uremic toxins, indoxyl sulfate and phenol, in hemodialysis (HD) patients is attributed to the dysbiotic gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on serum levels of indoxyl sulfate, phenol, inflammation, and biochemical parameters in HD patients. ⋯ Synbiotic supplementation might increase indoxyl sulfate and parathyroid hormone levels in HD patients.
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Hepatic encephalopathy is a cerebral alteration mainly caused by hepatic insufficiency or portosystemic shunt. It ranges from minimal neurologic manifestations to coma in its overt stage. ⋯ Recent work has developed knowledge of probiotics in different clinical settings including the relationship of the gut microenvironment to liver cirrhosis. The aim of this review was to analyze the results of clinical trials on the effect of different probiotics on hepatic encephalopathy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Zinc supplementation improves glucose homeostasis in patients with β-thalassemia major complicated with diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial.
The development of abnormal glucose tolerance in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is associated with alterations in the oxidant-antioxidant status. Zinc is an antioxidant and an essential element for insulin synthesis, storage, and secretion. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effect of oral zinc supplementation on glucose homeostasis in pediatric β-TM patients complicated with diabetes mellitus (DM). ⋯ Zinc supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in β-TM patients with DM reduced iron burden, decreased hyperglycemia, increased insulin secretion, and improved glycemic control without any adverse effects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Adherence to diet low in fermentable carbohydrates and traditional diet for irritable bowel syndrome.
Dietary interventions in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include a traditional IBS diet following the guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and a diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to these diets, food groups difficult to replace, and dietary determinants of symptom improvement. ⋯ In both the low FODMAP and traditional IBS diet, certain food groups were difficult to replace. Because adherence may predict symptom improvement, close dietary guidance might enhance the efficacy of both diets.
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Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction with fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Integrity of the endothelial cell is important to its physiologic function such as production of angiogenetic factors. The aim of this study was to assess whether phase angle (PhA) is altered in patients with SSc and whether its values correlate with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and digital microvascular damage. ⋯ The evaluation of VEGF with PhA, NVC, and DUs could be useful to estimate cellular and microvascular damage in patients with SSc.