Nutrition
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Meta Analysis
Tea consumption and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies.
Recent epidemiologic studies, especially cohort and case-control studies, have yielded inconsistent findings regarding the association between tea consumption and risk for lung cancer. The aim of this study was to assess a potential relationship between tea consumption and the incidence of lung cancer worldwide. ⋯ Tea consumption may offer some protection against lung cancer.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized clinical trial: effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299 v on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common diagnosis in gastroenterology. Its etiology is unknown and therapeutic options limited. Trials suggest probiotics may be beneficial. The aim of this study was to assess the symptomatic efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299 v (L. plantarum 299 v) for the relief of abdominal pain in patients with IBS fulfilling Rome II criteria. ⋯ An 8-wk treatment with L. plantarum 299 v did not provide symptomatic relief, particularly of abdominal pain and bloating, in patients fulfilling the Rome II criteria.
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Although conventional antidiabetic agents are known to ameliorate the symptoms of diabetes, they also may cause adverse effects. The purpose of this review was to organize and discuss various studies that have been previously conducted indicating the efficacy of Allium cepa in DM. ⋯ This review will not only elucidate the nutritious facts of Allium cepa but may also help in understanding the molecular basis of its effects in DM. This review will explore in particular the medicinal characteristics of Allium cepa supporting that the consumption of dietary onion could lower blood glucose levels, thus contributing to the reduction of risk factors associated with DM.
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Meta Analysis
Association of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis.
Whether vitamin A and β-carotene as nutrients are protective factors against cataracts remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to summarize the evidence from epidemiologic studies of vitamin A and β-carotene with the risk for cataract. ⋯ Greater vitamin A and β-carotene intakes might be inversely associated with risk for cataract.
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Certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) called essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be biosynthesized by the body and hence, need to be obtained from diet. These PUFAs and their metabolites have multiple physiological functions that are altered in tumor cells due to a decreased expression of Δdelta-6-desaturase, which is an essential step in their metabolism. As a result, tumor cells would be protected from the toxic effect caused by free radicals, one product of EFA metabolism. ⋯ High-grade gliomas remain a therapeutic challenge in neuro-oncology because there is no treatment that achieves a significant improvement in survival. Novel therapeutic strategies that use PUFAs for the treatment of gliomas have been assessed in cell cultures, rodent glioma models, and humans, with encouraging results. Here we review the latest progress made in the field.