Nutrition
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
A genetic variant of PPARA modulates cardiovascular risk biomarkers after milk consumption.
The association of dairy food consumption with the risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been investigated in many studies, but results often have been contradictory. The aim of the present study was to determine whether genetic polymorphisms are associated with interindividual variation in the response of CVD risk biomarker values after milk consumption. ⋯ Saturated fatty acid consumption has long been linked to an increased risk for CVD; indeed, the consumption of saturated fat-free products is recommended as a means of reducing this risk. However, the present results suggest that many individuals might not benefit from such general recommendations. Genetic analysis of PPARA rs135549 might help identify those individuals who are more likely to benefit from reducing the saturated fatty acid content of their diet.
-
A sharp increase in the prevalence of obesity and a decline in iron deficiency in children was observed between the two consecutive Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of hepcidin in relation to nutritional status in children. ⋯ Our results raise the possibility that IL-10 may play a role in iron homeostasis. Decreased circulating IL-10 concentration may temporary protect young overweight/obese girls against the development of iron deficiency. However, long-term decrease in hepcidin concentration may increase the risk for iron overload in overweight/obese children.