CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

C-Reactive Protein

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an annular (ring-shaped), pentameric protein found in blood plasma, whose levels rise in response to inflammation. It is an acute-phase protein of hepatic origin that increases following interleukin-6 secretion by macrophages and T cells. Its physiological role is to bind to lysophosphatidylcholine expressed on the surface of dead or dying cells (and some types of bacteria) in order to activate the complement system via C1q.

CRP is synthesized by the liver in response to factors released by macrophages and fat cells (adipocytes). It is a member of the pentraxin family of proteins. It is not related to C-peptide (insulin) or protein C (blood coagulation). C-reactive protein was the first pattern recognition receptor (PRR) to be identified.

  • A randomized controlled trial of Kung Fu training for metabolic health in overweight/obese adolescents: the "martial fitness" study.

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    Abstract Title:

    A randomized controlled trial of Kung Fu training for metabolic health in overweight/obese adolescents: the "martial fitness" study.

    Abstract Source:

    J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Jul;22(7):595-607. PMID: 19774841

    Abstract Author(s):

    Tracey W Tsang, Michael Kohn, Chin Moi Chow, Maria Fiatarone Singh

    Abstract:

    Twenty overweight/obese adolescents underwent six months of Kung Fu or placebo (Tai Chi) training, 3x.wk(-1). Outcomes included fasting insulin and insulin resistance, lipids, glucose and HbA(1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP decreased significantly (p = 0.03) in both groups over time at six months. Although insulin sensitivity did not change, HbA(1c) tended to decrease over time (p = 0.09), again with no group difference (p = 0.60). Reduced CRP was related to increased upper body strength (p = 0.01). Increased lean body mass was related to reductions in HbA(1c), insulin resistance, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Improvements in lean body mass appear to have a potential role in favorable metabolic outcomes, independent of changes in fat mass. Further research in this area is warranted before definite conclusions can be drawn about the efficacy of martial arts training for metabolic outcomes in this cohort.

  • Adherence to the Mediterranean diet attenuates inflammation and coagulation process in healthy adults: The ATTICA Study📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Adherence to the Mediterranean diet attenuates inflammation and coagulation process in healthy adults: The ATTICA Study.

    Abstract Source:

    J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004 Jul 7;44(1):152-8. PMID: 15234425

    Abstract Author(s):

    Christina Chrysohoou, Demosthenes B Panagiotakos, Christos Pitsavos, Undurti N Das, Christodoulos Stefanadis

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES: We studied the effect of the Mediterranean diet on plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell counts, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, amyloid A, fibrinogen, and homocysteine.

    BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, the mechanism(s) by which the Mediterranean diet reduces cardiovascular risk are not well understood.

    METHODS: During the 2001 to 2002 period, we randomly enrolled 1,514 men (18 to 87 years old) and 1,528 women (18 to 89 years old) from the Attica area of Greece (of these, 5% of men and 3% of women were excluded because of a history of cardiovascular disease). Among several factors, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by a diet score that incorporated the inherent characteristics of this diet. Higher values of the score meant closer adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

    RESULTS: Participants who were in the highest tertile of the diet score had, on average, 20% lower CRP levels (p = 0.015), 17% lower IL-6 levels (p = 0.025), 15% lower homocysteine levels (p = 0.031), 14% lower white blood cell counts (p = 0.001), and 6% lower fibrinogen levels (p = 0.025), as compared with those in the lowest tertile. The findings remained significant even after various adjustments were made. Borderline associations were found regarding TNF-alpha (p = 0.076), amyloid A levels (p = 0.19), and diet score.

    CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduction in the concentrations of inflammation and coagulation markers. This may partly explain the beneficial actions of this diet on the cardiovascular system.

  • Adherence to the mediterranean diet is inversely associated with circulating interleukin-6 among middle-aged men: a twin study📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Adherence to the mediterranean diet is inversely associated with circulating interleukin-6 among middle-aged men: a twin study.

    Abstract Source:

    Circulation. 2008 Jan 15;117(2):169-75. Epub 2007 Dec 17. PMID: 18086924

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jun Dai, Andrew H Miller, J Douglas Bremner, Jack Goldberg, Linda Jones, Lucy Shallenberger, Rocky Buckham, Nancy V Murrah, Emir Veledar, Peter W Wilson, Viola Vaccarino

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet is protective against cardiovascular disease; a proposed mechanism is through a reduction in systemic inflammation. It is unknown to what extent the association between the Mediterranean diet and inflammation is due to genetic or other familial factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: We administered the Willett food frequency questionnaire to 345 middle-aged male twins and assessed adherence to the Mediterranean diet using a published adherence score. Fasting plasma levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and known cardiovascular risk factors were measured. Mixed-effect regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between diet score and inflammatory biomarkers after accounting for known cardiovascular risk factors. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with reduced levels of interleukin-6 (P<0.001) but not C-reactive protein (P=0.10) after adjustment for total energy intake, other nutritional factors, known cardiovascular risk factors, and use of supplements and medications. When the overall association of adherence to the diet with interleukin-6 levels was partitioned into between- and within-pair effects, the between-pair effect was not significant (P=0.9) and the within-pair effect was highly significant (P<0.0001). A 1-unit within-pair absolute difference in the diet score was associated with a 9% (95% CI, 4.5 to 13.6) lower interleukin-6 level. CONCLUSIONS: Shared environmental and genetic factors are unlikely to play a major role in the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and systemic inflammation. These results support the hypothesis that reduced inflammation is an important mechanism linking Mediterranean diet to reduced cardiovascular risk.

  • Amelioration of Abnormalities Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome by(Spinach) Consumption and Aerobic Exercise in Rats📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Amelioration of Abnormalities Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome by(Spinach) Consumption and Aerobic Exercise in Rats.

    Abstract Source:

    Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017 ;2017:2359389. Epub 2017 Jul 16. PMID: 28798859

    Abstract Author(s):

    Vandana Panda, Kinjal Mistry, S Sudhamani, Mukesh Nandave, Shreesh Kumar Ojha

    Article Affiliation:

    Vandana Panda

    Abstract:

    The present study evaluates the protective effects of an antioxidant-rich extract of(NAOE) in abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in rats. HPTLC of NAOE revealed the presence of 13 total antioxidants, 14 flavonoids, and 10 phenolic acids. Rats administered with fructose (20% /) in drinking water for 45 days to induce abnormalities of MetS received NAOE (200 and 400 mg/kg, po), the standard drug gemfibrozil (60 mg/kg, po), aerobic exercise (AE), and a combination of NAOE 400 mg/kg and AE (NAOEAE) daily for 45 days. All treatments significantly altered the lipid profile and attenuated the fructose-elevated levels of uric acid, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and marker enzymes (AST, LDH, and CK-MB) in serum and malondialdehyde in the heart and restored the fructose-depleted levels of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase). A significant decrease in blood glucose and insulin levels decreased insulin resistance, and improved glucose tolerance was observed in the treatment animals when compared with the fructose-fed animals. The best mitigation of MetS was shown by the NAOEAE treatment indicating that regular exercise along with adequate consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach in diet can help control MetS.

  • Antioxidant intake from diet and supplements and elevated serum C-reactive protein and plasma homocysteine concentrations in US adults: a cross-sectional study.

    Abstract Title:

    Antioxidant intake from diet and supplements and elevated serum C-reactive protein and plasma homocysteine concentrations in US adults: a cross-sectional study.

    Abstract Source:

    Public Health Nutr. 2011 Mar 18:1-10. Epub 2011 Mar 18. PMID: 21414247

    Abstract Author(s):

    Anna Floegel, Sang-Jin Chung, Anne von Ruesten, Meng Yang, Chin E Chung, Won O Song, Sung I Koo, Tobias Pischon, Ock K Chun

    Article Affiliation:

    1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, 3624 Horsebarn Road Extension Unit 4017, Storrs, CT 06269-4017, USA.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of antioxidant intakes from diet and supplements with elevated blood C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. The main exposures were vitamins C and E, carotene, flavonoid and Se intakes from diet and supplements. Elevated blood CRP and Hcy concentrations were the outcome measures. SETTING: The US population and its subgroups. SUBJECTS: We included 8335 US adults aged≥19 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. RESULTS: In this US population, the mean serum CRP concentration was 4·14 (95 % CI 3·91, 4·37) mg/l. Intakes of vitamins C and E and carotene were inversely associated with the probability of having serum CRP concentrations>3 mg/l in multivariate logistic regression models. Flavonoid and Se intakes were not associated with the odds of elevated serum CRP concentrations. The mean plasma Hcy concentration was 8·61 (95 % CI 8·48, 8·74) μmol/l. Intakes of vitamins C, E, carotenes and Se were inversely associated with the odds of plasma Hcy concentrations>13μmol/l after adjusting for covariates. Flavonoid intake was not associated with the chance of elevated plasma Hcy concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that high antioxidant intake is associated with lower blood concentrations of CRP and Hcy. These inverse associations may be among thepotential mechanisms for the beneficial effect of antioxidant intake on CVD risk mediators in observational studies.

  • Assessing the Values of Blueberries Intake on Exercise Performance, TAS, and Inflammatory Factors📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Assessing the Values of Blueberries Intake on Exercise Performance, TAS, and Inflammatory Factors.

    Abstract Source:

    Iran J Public Health. 2018 Jul ;47(Suppl 1):27-32. PMID: 30186809

    Abstract Author(s):

    Chan Ho Park, Yi Sub Kwak, Han Kyo Seo, Hye Young Kim

    Article Affiliation:

    Chan Ho Park

    Abstract:

    Background:The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of blueberry supplementation on exercise performance time, inflammation markers, energy substrates, insulin, and TAS levels during two periods: non-supplemented period and supplemented period.

    Methods:Eight young active participants were recruited from the Department of Physical Education at some universities in Busan City, Republic of Korea. The test period was divided into two Sections: non-supplemented period and supplemented period. Vo2 max and exercise performance time of participants were measured, with or without blueberry supplementation, with a portable gas analyzer and ECG, respectively.

    Results:Vo2 max and exercise performance time were increased in the blueberry supplementation period. IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly lowered in blueberry supplementation period following exercise.

    Conclusion:The blueberry supplementation can potentially increase the exercise performance and decrease the IL-6 and CRP levels caused by an increased TAS level.

  • Association of vegetarian diet with inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

    Abstract Title:

    Association of vegetarian diet with inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

    Abstract Source:

    Public Health Nutr. 2017 Aug 24:1-9. Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28836492

    Abstract Author(s):

    Fahimeh Haghighatdoost, Nick Bellissimo, Julia O Totosy de Zepetnek, Mohammad Hossein Rouhani

    Article Affiliation:

    Fahimeh Haghighatdoost

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:Vegetarian diets contain various anti-inflammatory components. We aimed to investigate the effects of vegetarianism on inflammatory biomarkers when compared with omnivores.

    DESIGN:Systematic review and meta-analysis.

    SETTING:Literature search was conducted in Science Direct, Proquest, MEDLINE and Google Scholar up to June 2016. Summary estimates and corresponding 95 % CI were derived via the DerSimonian and Laird method using random effects, subgroup analyses were run to find the source of heterogeneity and a fixed-effect model examined between-subgroup heterogeneity.

    SUBJECTS:Studies were included if they evaluated effects of any type of vegetarianism compared with omnivores on circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers. No restriction was made in terms of language or the date of study publications.

    RESULTS:Eighteen articles were included. Pooled effect size showed no difference in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in vegetarians v. omnivores (Hedges' g=-0·15; 95 % CI -0·35, 0·05), with high heterogeneity (I 2=75·6 %, P<0·01). A subgroup analysis by minimum duration of vegetarianism showed that a minimum duration of 2 years vegetarianism was associated with lower hs-CRP levels v. omnivores (Hedges' g=-0·29; 95 % CI -0·59, 0·01), with moderate heterogeneity (I 2=68·9 %, P<0·01). No significant effect was found in studies using a minimum duration of 6 months of vegetarianism, with low heterogeneity. Vegetarianism was associated with increased IL-6 concentrations (0·21 pg/ml; 95 % CI 0·18, 0·25), with no heterogeneity (I 2=0·0 %, P=0·60).

    CONCLUSIONS:The meta-analysis provides evidence that vegetarianism is associated with lower serum concentrations of hs-CRP when individuals follow a vegetarian diet for at least 2 years. Further research is necessary to draw appropriate conclusions regarding potential associations between vegetarianism and IL-6 levels. A vegetarian diet might be a useful approach to manage inflammaging in the long term.

  • C-Reactive Protein

    C-reactive protein (CRP) is an annular (ring-shaped), pentameric protein found in blood plasma, whose levels rise in response to inflammation. It is an acute-phase protein of hepatic origin that increases following interleukin-6 secretion by macrophages and T cells. Its physiological role is to bind to lysophosphatidylcholine expressed on the surface of dead or dying cells (and some types of bacteria) in order to activate the complement system via C1q.

  • C-reactive protein serum level in patients with psoriasis before and after treatment with narrow-band ultraviolet B. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    C-reactive protein serum level in patients with psoriasis before and after treatment with narrow-band ultraviolet B.

    Abstract Source:

    An Bras Dermatol. 2016 Sep-Oct;91(5):580-583. PMID: 27828628

    Abstract Author(s):

    Mahmoud Farshchian, Akram Ansar, Mohammadreza Sobhan, Valiollah Hoseinpoor

    Article Affiliation:

    Mahmoud Farshchian

    Abstract:

    Background::C-reactive protein is an inflammatory biomarker and its level increases in the serum of psoriatic patients. Its level is also associated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score.

    Objective::The aim of this study was to assess the decrement of serum C-reactive protein level with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy.

    Methods::C-reactive protein serum levels in psoriasis patients were measured before and after treatment with NB-UVB and the data were analyzed in relation to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score improvement.

    Results::Baseline C-reactive protein levels among psoriatic patients were higher than normal. These levels decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.001). At the beginning of the study, patients with higher levels of C-reactive protein also had more extensive and severe skin involvement. The highest decrease in C-reactive protein was observed in patients who responded better to the treatment and achieved a higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75%. There was an association between baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and C-reactive protein levels.

    Conclusion::Patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis had active systemic inflammation, which was demonstrated by increased levels of C-reactive protein. Furthermore, skin disease severity was correlated with C-reactive protein levels. Phototherapy healed the psoriatic skin lesions and reduced inflammation, while decreasing C-reactive protein levels.

  • Controlled trial comparing an elemental diet with prednisolone in the treatment of active Crohn's disease.

    Abstract Title:

    Controlled trial comparing an elemental diet with prednisolone in the treatment of active Crohn's disease.

    Abstract Source:

    Hepatogastroenterology. 1990 Feb;37(1):72-80. PMID: 2179093

    Abstract Author(s):

    M Okada, T Yao, T Yamamoto, K Takenaka, K Imamura, K Maeda, K Fujita

    Article Affiliation:

    1st Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan.

    Abstract:

    To determine whether an elemental diet or prednisolone would be more effective for treating acute Crohn's disease, a controlled trial was conducted on 20 patients with acute Crohn's disease who had never received specific treatment. The first ten patients were put on an elemental diet and the remaining ten were prescribed prednisolone for six weeks at an initial dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day. Patients were assessed using the simple activity index, body weight, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and alpha 2 globulin, serum albumin, and radiographic findings of bowel lesions. At six weeks, the patients on the elemental diet showed a significantly greater improvement in the activity index, inflammatory signs such as C-reactive protein and alpha 2 globulin, and radiographic findings of bowel lesions than did those on the steroid. Patients who were given steroids for six weeks and then treated with the elemental diet for four weeks showed improvement in the radiographic findings of bowel lesions and inflammation. The present study strongly suggests that elemental diet is superior to steroids for treating active Crohn's disease.

  • Effect of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol supplementations on serum leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and serum amyloid A levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 📎

    Abstract Title:

    Effect of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol supplementations on serum leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and serum amyloid A levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    Abstract Source:

    Avicenna J Phytomed. 2015 Nov-Dec;5(6):531-9. PMID: 26693410

    Abstract Author(s):

    Mostafa Jamalan, Mahin Rezazadeh, Majid Zeinali, Mohammad Ali Ghaffari

    Article Affiliation:

    Mostafa Jamalan

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:Diabetes mellitus Type 2 is one of the most widespread chronic metabolic diseases. In most cases, this type of diabetes is associated with alterations in levels of some inflammatory cytokines and hormones. Considering anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), anti-diabetic properties of these two well-known antioxidant vitamins were investigated through measurement of serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS:Male patients (n=80) were randomly divided into two groups each consisted of 40 subjects. Test groups were supplemented with ascorbic acid (1000 mg/day) or alpha-tocopherol (300 mg/day) orally during four weeks. Before and after treatment, serum biochemical factors of subjects were measured and compared.

    RESULTS:Our results showed that both ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol could induce significant anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the level of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, SAA, and hs-CRP in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients. Effects of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in decreasing serum leptin level were similar. Ascorbic acid in contrast to alpha-tocopherol diminished fasting insulin and HOMA index but had no effect on LDL serum level.

    CONCLUSION:Concerning the obtained results, it is concluded that consumption of supplementary vitamins C and E could decrease induced inflammatory response in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. It is also possible that vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation can attenuate incidence of some proposed pathological effects of diabetes mellitus.

  • Effect of Blueberin on fasting glucose, C-reactive protein and plasma aminotransferases, in female volunteers with diabetes type 2: double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study.

    Abstract Title:

    Effect of Blueberin on fasting glucose, C-reactive protein and plasma aminotransferases, in female volunteers with diabetes type 2: double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study.

    Abstract Source:

    Georgian Med News. 2006 Dec;(141):66-72. PMID: 17261891

    Abstract Author(s):

    M Abidov, A Ramazanov, M Jimenez Del Rio, I Chkhikvishvili

    Abstract:

    In a 4-week randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial we investigated the effect of 300 mg Blueberin, a phytomedicine containing 250 mg Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L, Ericaceae) extract providing minimum 50 mg 3,4-caffeoylquinic (chlorogenic) acid, and 50 mg myricetin, on fasting plasma glucose, alanine aminotransferases (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), glutamyltransferase (GGT) enzymes levels, and serum inflammatory C-Reactive proteins (CRP) in forty-two volunteer subjects (46+/-15 year of age, BMI 25+/-3 kgs/(m2)) diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. During the 4-week trial, the Blueberin supplement was administered three times per day, 15-30 minutes prior to a meal along with 100 ml of water. Results of this trial revealed that the supplementation of Blueberin reduced fasting plasma glucose from 143+/-5,2mg/L to 104+/-5,7 mg/L (p<0,001), whereas there was no statistically significant changes in the Placebo group from 138+/-4,8 mg/L to 126+/-5,1mg/L (p>0,05).The reduction of fasting glucose was correlated with the reduction of serum CRP and in the Blueberin group from 5,18+/-1,4 mg/l to 2,14+/-1,8 mg/L (p<0,05), whereas in the Placebo group CRP levels were not significantly reduced from 5,11+/-1,7 mg/l to 4,94+/-1,1mg/L (p>0,05). Furthermore, the Blueberin also significantly reduced the levels of plasma enzymes ALT, AST and GGT, indicating that, in addition to anti-diabetes effects, the Blueberin also possess pharmacologically relevant anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Effect of complex rehabilitation by physical factors (therapeutic mud, waves of millimeter range) on the indices of inflammation process and immune status in patients with traumas of peripheral nervous system

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    Abstract Title:

    [Effect of complex rehabilitation by physical factors (therapeutic mud, waves of millimeter range) on the indices of inflammation process and immune status in patients with traumas of peripheral nervous system].

    Abstract Source:

    Georgian Med News. 2006 Mar(132):72-6. PMID: 16636386

    Abstract Author(s):

    I D Tarkhan-Muuravi, N V Dzhakobiia

    Abstract:

    82 patients with traumas of peripheral nervous trunks (middle, ulnar, radial, tibular and tibial nerves) were investigated, including 44 persons with neuroapraxia of those trunks and 38 with axonotmesis. It was established that the patients with traumas of peripheral nervous trunks showed the presence of inflammatory process and sensitization of the body which was exposed in the reaction of precipitation at C-reactive protein with the increase of the content of serum glycoides and total nonspecific immunuglobulin E in blood serum. The investigated patients showed also decrease in nonspecific resistance of organism and change in immune status. All the above-referred shifts were more expressed at axonotmesis of peripheral nervous trunks. Rehabilitation with the use of Kumisi therapeutic mud and electro magneto field of millimeter range resulted decrease of inflammation process and body sensitization in patients with traumas of peripheral nervous trunks almost to disappearance of inflammation process and body sensitization. Such rehabilitation increased nonspecific resistance, normalized the indices of immune reactivity. The above-referred positive shifts were comparatively well expressed at neuroapraxia of peripheral nervous trunks.

  • Effect of electroacupuncture on the inflammatory response in patients with acute pancreatitis: an exploratory study.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of electroacupuncture on the inflammatory response in patients with acute pancreatitis: an exploratory study.

    Abstract Source:

    Acupunct Med. 2015 Apr ;33(2):115-20. Epub 2014 Dec 17. PMID: 25520280

    Abstract Author(s):

    Shi-Feng Zhu, Hui Guo, Rong-Rong Zhang, Yumei Zhang, Juan Li, Xian-Lin Zhao, Tian-Rong Chen, Mei-Hua Wan, Guang-Yuan Chen, Wen-Fu Tang

    Article Affiliation:

    Shi-Feng Zhu

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES:To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory responses in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

    METHODS:Eighty patients with mild or severe AP were randomly allocated to a control group or an EA group. All patients were managed conservatively. In addition, the EA group received acupuncture for 30 min per day for 7 days at bilateral points ST36, LI4, TE6, ST37 and LR3. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured on admission and on day 7. The time to re-feeding and length of stay in hospital were also recorded.

    RESULTS:A total of 58 patients provided complete data. The characteristics of the patients in the EA and control groups were similar. After 7 days the serum concentrations of IL-10 were higher in the EA group than in the control group (mild AP: 6.2±1.2 vs 5.2±0.9 pg/mL, p<0.05; severe AP: 14.9±7.8 vs 7.9±6.3 pg/mL, p<0.05). For patients with severe AP, the CRP level in the EA group was lower than in the control group (p<0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS:EA may reduce the severity of AP by inducing anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the time to re-feeding; however, it did not reduce the length of hospital stay.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:ChiCTR-TRC-13003572.

  • Effect of vitamin C on inflammation and metabolic markers in hypertensive and/or diabetic obese adults: a randomized controlled trial. 📎

    Abstract Title:

    Effect of vitamin C on inflammation and metabolic markers in hypertensive and/or diabetic obese adults: a randomized controlled trial.

    Abstract Source:

    Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015 ;9:3405-12. Epub 2015 Jul 1. PMID: 26170625

    Abstract Author(s):

    Mohammed S Ellulu, Asmah Rahmat, Ismail Patimah, Huzwah Khaza'ai, Yehia Abed

    Article Affiliation:

    Mohammed S Ellulu

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Obesity is well associated as being an interfering factor in metabolic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes by increasing the secretion of proinflammatory markers from adipose tissue. Having healthy effects, vitamin C could work as an anti-inflammatory agent through its antioxidant capacity.

    REGISTRATION:

    REGISTRATION NUMBER:FPSK_Mac [13]04.

    OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study reported here was to identify the effect of vitamin C on reducing the levels of inflammatory markers in hypertensive and/or diabetic obese adults.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Sixty-four obese patients, who were hypertensive and/or diabetic and had high levels of inflammatory markers, from primary health care centers in Gaza City, Palestine, were enrolled into one of two groups in an open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial. A total of 33 patients were randomized into a control group and 31 patients were randomized into an experimental group. The experimental group was treated with 500 mg vitamin C twice a day.

    RESULTS:In the experimental group, vitamin C significantly reduced the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and triglyceride (TG) after 8 weeks of treatment (overall: P<0.001); no changes appeared in total cholesterol (TC). In the control group, there were significant reductions in FBG and TG (P=0.001 and P=0.026, respectively), and no changes in hs-CRP, IL-6, or TC. On comparing the changes in the experimental group with those in the control group at the endpoint, vitamin C was found to have achieved clinical significance in treating effectiveness for reducing hs-CRP, IL-6, and FBG levels (P=0.01, P=0.001, and P<0.001, respectively), but no significant changes in TC or TG were found.

    CONCLUSION:Vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) has potential effects in alleviating inflammatory status by reducing hs-CRP, IL-6, and FBG in hypertensive and/or diabetic obese patients.

  • Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized trial.

    Abstract Source:

    Ann Intern Med. 2006 Jul 4;145(1):1-11. PMID: 16818923

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ramon Estruch, Miguel Angel Martínez-González, Dolores Corella, Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Valentina Ruiz-Gutiérrez, María Isabel Covas, Miguel Fiol, Enrique Gómez-Gracia, Mari Carmen López-Sabater, Ernest Vinyoles, Fernando Arós, Manuel Conde, Carlos Lahoz, José Lapetra, Guillermo Sáez, Emilio Ros,

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

    OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term effects of 2 Mediterranean diets versus those of a low-fat diet on intermediate markers of cardiovascular risk.

    DESIGN: Substudy of a multicenter, randomized, primary prevention trial of cardiovascular disease (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea [PREDIMED] Study).

    SETTING: Primary care centers affiliated with 10 teaching hospitals.

    PARTICIPANTS: 772 asymptomatic persons 55 to 80 years of age at high cardiovascular risk who were recruited from October 2003 to March 2004. Interventions: Participants were assigned to a low-fat diet (n = 257) or to 1 of 2 Mediterranean diets. Those allocated to Mediterranean diets received nutritional education and either free virgin olive oil, 1 liter per week (n = 257), or free nuts, 30 g/d (n = 258). The authors evaluated outcome changes at 3 months.

    MEASUREMENTS: Body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose levels, and inflammatory molecules.

    RESULTS: The completion rate was 99.6%. Compared with the low-fat diet, the 2 Mediterranean diets produced beneficial changes in most outcomes. Compared with the low-fat diet, the mean changes in the Mediterranean diet with olive oil group and the Mediterranean diet with nuts group were -0.39 mmol/L (95% CI, -0.70 to -0.07 mmol/L) and -0.30 mmol/L (CI, -0.58 to -0.01 mmol/L), respectively, for plasma glucose levels; -5.9 mm Hg (CI, -8.7 to -3.1 mm Hg) and -7.1 mm Hg (CI, -10.0 to -4.1 mm Hg), respectively, for systolic blood pressure; and -0.38 (CI, -0.55 to -0.22) and - 0.26 (CI, -0.42 to -0.10), respectively, for the cholesterol-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. The Mediterranean diet with olive oil reduced C-reactive protein levels by 0.54 mg/L (CI, 1.04 to 0.03 mg/L) compared with the low-fat diet.

    LIMITATIONS: This short-term study did not focus on clinical outcomes. Nutritional education about low-fat diet was less intense than education about Mediterranean diets.

    CONCLUSION: Compared with a low-fat diet, Mediterranean diets supplemented with olive oil or nuts have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

  • Effects of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis.

    Abstract Source:

    Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jan;60(1):41-7. PMID: 16132058

    Abstract Author(s):

    G Avellone, V Di Garbo, D Campisi, R De Simone, G Raneli, R Scaglione, G Licata

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on cardiovascular risk factors and, in particular, on some inflammatory biomarkers.

    METHODS: A total of 48 subjects of both sexes who were nondrinkers or rare drinkers of moderate red wine were selected and randomly subdivided into two groups assigned to receive with a crossover design a Sicilian red wine (Nero d'Avola or Etna Torrepalino) during meals: Group A (n = 24), in whom the diet was supplemented for 4 weeks with 250 ml/day of red wine, followed by 4 weeks when they returned to their usual wine intake; and Group B (n = 24), in whom the usual wine intake was maintained for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks when the diet was supplemented with 250 ml/day of red wine. The following were values measured in all tests: blood glucose, total and HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, apolipoproteins A1 and B, Lp(a), plasma C-reactive protein, TGFbeta1, D-Dimer, Factor VII , PAl Ag, t-PA Ag, fibrinogen, oxidized LDL Ab, total plasma antioxidant capacity.

    RESULTS: At the end of the red wine intake period, LDL/HDL, fibrinogen, factor VII, plasma C-reactive protein and oxidized LDL Ab were significantly decreased, while HDL-C, Apo A1,TGFbeta1, t-PA, PAI and total plasma antioxidant capacity were significantly increased.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a positive effect of two Sicilian red wines on many risk factors and on some inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting that a moderate consumption of red wine in the adult population is a positive component of the Mediterranean diet.

  • Inflammatory marker changes in postmenopausal women after a year-long exercise intervention comparing high versus moderate volumes📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Inflammatory marker changes in postmenopausal women after a year-long exercise intervention comparing high versus moderate volumes.

    Abstract Source:

    Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2015 Nov 24. Epub 2015 Nov 24. PMID: 26603740

    Abstract Author(s):

    Christine M Friedenreich, Rachel O'Reilly, Eileen Shaw, Frank Z Stanczyk, Yutaka Yasui, Darren R Brenner, Kerry S Courneya

    Article Affiliation:

    Christine M Friedenreich

    Abstract:

    This randomized dose comparison trial examined if higher exercise volume decreased inflammatory biomarkers, associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk, more than moderate exercise volume. The Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta (BETA) was a two-center, two-armed randomized trial in 400 inactive, healthy, postmenopausal women, aged 50-74 years, with a body mass index of 22-40 kg/m2. Participants were randomized to high (300 minutes/week) or moderate (150 minutes/week) volumes of aerobic exercise while maintaining usual diet. Fasting blood concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were measured at baseline, six, and 12-months. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline biomarker concentrations. Intention-to-treat analyses of 386 (97%) participants showed no statistically significant group differences for changes in biomarkerlevels at 6 and 12 months. Additionally, we did not observe any modification of this effect by baseline characteristics of participants. In post hoc analyses based on self-selected exercise level (measured in minutes/week) , CRP decreased by 22.45% for participants who exercised>246 minutes/week (highest quintile) and increased by 0.07% for those who exercised<110 minutes/week (lowest quintile, P-trend=0.04), adjusted for baseline covariates. When this analysis was restricted to include exercise time in the target heart rate zone only, statistically significant trends were observed for both CRP (P<0.01) and IL-6 (P=0.04). Prescribing 300 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise did not improve inflammatory markers compared to 150 minutes/week in postmenopausal women. Decreases in CRP were observed with higher self-selected exercise volume.

  • Influence of the intervention of exercise on obese type II diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis.

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    Abstract Title:

    Influence of the intervention of exercise on obese type II diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis.

    Abstract Source:

    Prim Care Diabetes. 2015 Nov 6. Epub 2015 Nov 6. PMID: 26553963

    Abstract Author(s):

    Zhichun Zou, Wei Cai, Min Cai, Mouyuan Xiao, Zhijie Wang

    Article Affiliation:

    Zhichun Zou

    Abstract:

    AIM:The study aimed to assess the effect of exercise intervention on the management of obese T2DM patients.

    METHODS:The literature retrieval was conducted in relevant databases from their inception to 2015, with predefined searching strategy and selection criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was utilized to assess the quality of included studies. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with its corresponding 95% CI (confidence interval) was used as the effect size.

    RESULTS:A subset of 13 eligible studies was selected. Exercise significantly reduced the concentration of high sensitivity C reactive protein (4 months: WMD=-1.03, 95% CI: -1.77 to -0.29, P<0.01), triglyceride (6 months: WMD=-24.75, 95% CI: -27.67 to -21.83, P<0.01), diastolic blood pressure (6 months: WMD=-2.70, 95% CI: -4.12 to -1.28, P=0.0002), systolic blood pressure (WMD=-7.98, 95% CI: -9.87 to -6.08, P<0.01)), HbA1c (4 months: WMD=-0.25, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.02, P=0.04) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (3 months: WMD=-0.19, 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.01, P=0.04); and a pronounced increase of HDL-C (12 months: WMD=3.57, 95% CI: 1.92 to 5.21, P<0.01).

    CONCLUSION:Exercise was beneficial to obese T2DM patients.

  • Mind-body therapies and control of inflammatory biology: A descriptive review📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Mind-body therapies and control of inflammatory biology: A descriptive review.

    Abstract Source:

    Brain Behav Immun. 2015 Jun 23. Epub 2015 Jun 23. PMID: 26116436

    Abstract Author(s):

    Julienne E Bower, Michael R Irwin

    Article Affiliation:

    Julienne E Bower

    Abstract:

    The use of mind-body therapies, including Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, and meditation, has grown steadily in recent years. These approaches have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life, and research has begun to examine the impact of these therapies on biological processes, including inflammation. A review of 26 randomized controlled trials was conducted to describe the effects of mind-body therapies (MBTs) on circulating, cellular, and genomic markers of inflammation. This qualitative evaluation showed mixed effects of MBTs on circulating inflammatory markers, including CRP and IL-6, and on measures of stimulated cytokine production. More consistent findings were seen for genomic markers, with trials showing decreased expression of inflammation-related genes and reduced signaling through the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB. Potential mechanisms for these effects are discussed, including alterations in neuroendocrine, neural, and psychological and behavioral processes.

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