Nutraceuticals and Supplements in Management of Prediabetes and Diabetes.

Dysglycemia is a condition preceding diabetes mellitus. The two situations inherent in this condition are called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). If one of these situations is found in the patient, after the advice of an appropriate diet and physical activity, the addition of nutraceuticals or supplements can be considered, which can stop or delay the progression to diabetes mellitus over time.

The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature. Part II.

We have already published a review about the results of clinical trials evaluating the effects of selected nutraceuticals on glycemia in humans. In this second part, we describe the role of other nutraceuticals involved in dysglycemia. The available evidence showed promising hypoglycemic effects of the nutraceuticals reviewed both for their efficacy and safety profile.

The Use of in Cardiometabolic Diseases.

L. is an herb that is commonly used in cooking and in traditional medicine, particularly in Arab countries, the Indian subcontinent, and some areas of eastern Europe. is also called "black cumin" or "black seeds", as the seeds are the most-used part of the plant.

Effects of on Breast Cancer Cells: An Alternative to Chemotherapy?

Recent studies have reported several beneficial effects of natural compounds on cancerous cells, highlighting their use for future treatments. These preliminary findings have encouraged experiments with natural substances, such as plant extracts, to examine both cytotoxic and mitogenic effects and find alternative treatments for diseases such as breast cancer. This study examines the effects of microwave-assisted and ethanol maceration of marjoram () on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and normal breast tissue cell lines used as controls.

ORal anticoaGulants in diAbetic and Nondiabetic patients with nOn-valvular atrial fibrillatioN (ORGANON).

Background: Diabetes represents a pro-thrombotic condition.

Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) compared to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, newly diagnosed. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effects on the risk of bleeding.

Quercetin as a possible complementary agent for early-stage COVID-19: Concluding results of a randomized clinical trial.

Quercetin, a natural polyphenol with demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, has been proposed as an adjuvant for early-stage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. To explore the possible therapeutic effect of quercetin in outpatients with early-stage mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. This was an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the department of medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PK.

The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature.

Dysglycemia is a disease state preceding the onset of diabetes and includes impaired fasting glycemia and impaired glucose tolerance. This review aimed to collect and analyze the literature reporting the results of clinical trials evaluating the effects of selected nutraceuticals on glycemia in humans. The results of the analyzed trials, generally, showed the positive effects of the nutraceuticals studied alone or in association with other supplements on fasting plasma glucose and post-prandial plasma glucose as primary outcomes, and their efficacy in improving insulin resistance as a secondary outcome.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on people with diabetes: results from a large representative sample of Italian older adults.

Aims: Restrictions imposed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission should be weighed against consequences on vulnerable groups' health. Lifestyles and disease management of older people with diabetes might have been differentially impacted compared to non-chronic individuals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) was conducted on a representative full sample of 4 400 older adults (17-30 November 2020), collecting data on lifestyles, mental health and access to care before and during the pandemic.

Probiotic Therapy With VSL#3 in Patients With NAFLD: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Aim: To evaluate if VSL#3 [a high-concentration multi-strain probiotic mix containing one strain of BT01, three strains of ( BB02; subspecies [subsp.] BL03, previously identified as BL03; and subsp. BI04, previously identified as BI04), and four strains of ( BA05, BP06, BP07, and BD08, previously identified as subsp.

Evaluation of the Effect on Sexual Performance of a Nutraceutical Combination Containing Alpha Lipoic Acid, L. and , Compared to Placebo, Avanafil or a Combination of Nutraceutical Plus Avanafil in Males With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Erectile Dysfunction.

Aim: To evaluate if therapy with a nutraceutical combination of alpha lipoic acid, Vitis vinifera L. and Ginkgo biloba (Blunorm forte) can be helpful and be synergic with Avanafil.

Methods: The trial included 123 males with type 2 diabetic mellitus and with erectile dysfunction (ED), aged ≥18 years.

Lipoprotein(a) Serum Levels Predict Pulse Wave Velocity in Subjects in Primary Prevention for Cardiovascular Disease with Large Apo(a) Isoforms: Data from the Brisighella Heart Study.

In the last decades, high serum levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, in particular among individuals with smaller apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) isoforms than those with larger sizes. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate whether Lp(a) levels could predict early vascular aging, and whether smaller apo(a) isoforms had a predictive value for vascular aging different than larger apo(a) isoforms in a cohort of subjects free from CVD. We considered the data of a subset of Brisighella Heart Study (BHS) participants free from CVD (462 men and 516 women) who were clinically evaluated during the 2012 BHS population survey.

Detection of sieric BAG3 in patients affected by cardiovascular diseases: State of art and perspectives.

BAG3 is highly expressed in the heart and its functions are essential in maintaining cardiac muscle cells homeostasis. In the past, BAG3 was detected in serum from advanced heart failure patients and its higher levels were correlated to an increased death risk. Moreover, it has also been reported that BAG3 levels in serum are increased in patients with hypertension, a known cardiovascular risk marker.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors treatment in dyslipidemic patients: a real world prescription.

Aim: Dyslipidemia is recognized as one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. This retrospective observational study was aimed to assess the effect of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in dyslipidemic patients with a lipid profile not well controlled by maximally tolerated statin therapy or intolerant to these lipid-lowering drugs. We enrolled 151 patients, of whom, 119 were taking evolocumab and 32 alirocumab.

Metabolic Actions of a Supplement of Ilex Paraguariensis (An Extract of the Leaf Standardized to 2% I-Deoxinojirimcina), White Mulberry and Chromium Picolinate in Nondiabetic Subects with Dysglycemia: A Randomized Trial.

Aim: To prove if a nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis ( spp. Aquifoliales) (an extract of the leaf standardized to 2% I-deoxinojirimcina), white mulberry ( spp., Moraceae), and chromium picolinate can be effective in improving glycemic status in subject with dysglycemia.

Nutraceutical Approach to Preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Related Complications.

Introduction: Several months ago, Chinese authorities identified an atypical pneumonia in Wuhan city, province of Hubei (China) caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2). The WHO announced this new disease was to be known as "COVID-19".

Evidence Acquisition: Several approaches are currently underway for the treatment of this disease, but a specific cure remains to be established.

Potential Clinical Benefits of Quercetin in the Early Stage of COVID-19: Results of a Second, Pilot, Randomized, Controlled and Open-Label Clinical Trial.

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the ongoing global pandemic known as COVID-19. Based on the potential antiviral role of quercetin, and on its described anti-blood clotting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, we hypothesize that subjects with mild COVID-19 treated with Quercetin Phytosome (QP), a novel bioavailable form of quercetin, may have a shorter time to virus clearance, a milder symptomatology, and higher probabilities of a benign earlier resolution of the disease.

Methods: In our 2-week, randomized, open-label, and controlled clinical study, we have enrolled 42 COVID-19 outpatients.

Possible Therapeutic Effects of Adjuvant Quercetin Supplementation Against Early-Stage COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Open-Label Study.

Background: Quercetin, a well-known naturally occurring polyphenol, has recently been shown by molecular docking, in vitro and in vivo studies to be a possible anti-COVID-19 candidate. Quercetin has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties, and it is characterized by a very high safety profile, exerted in animals and in humans. Like most other polyphenols, quercetin shows a very low rate of oral absorption and its clinical use is considered by most of modest utility.

Psoriasis and Diabetes, a Dangerous Association: Evaluation of Insulin Resistance, Lipid Abnormalities, and Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated dermatosis with cardio-metabolic comorbidities. The aim of this study was to assess insulin-resistance, lipid abnormalities, and cardiovascular risk biomarkers in psoriatic patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We enrolled 425 patients: 86 psoriatics, 69 psoriatics with T2DM, 120 T2DM patients, and 150 healthy subjects.

Efficacy and Safety of Ertugliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled by Metformin and Sulfonylurea: A Sub-Study of VERTIS CV.

Introduction: VERTIS CV is the cardiovascular outcome trial for the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ertugliflozin. A sub-study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of ertugliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately glycemic-controlled on metformin and a sulfonylurea (SU).

Methods: Patients with T2DM, established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and an HbA1c of 7.

Effects of Oral Administration of Alprazolam and Lorazepam as Hypnotics on Cardiovascular Parameters in Hypertensive Patients.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that evening intake of benzodiazepine affects blood pressure (BP) and/or heart rate (HR) in healthy and hypertensive subjects. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of chronic oral administration of alprazolam and lorazepam as hypnotics on ambulatory BP and HR in patients with mild hypertension.

Methods: Consecutive outpatients of both sexes with newly diagnosed, never-treated mild hypertension were randomized, after a 4-week placebo run-in period, to receive alprazolam 0.

PCSK-9 Inhibitors in a Real-World Setting and a Comparison Between Alirocumab and Evolocumab in Heterozygous FH Patients.

A real-world setting study of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients who received Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in a specialized referral center in Mexico City. Ten patients between the ages of 18 and 70 years, with a diagnosis of FH according to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria, with failure to achieve their Low-density lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) goals, and with standard therapy between 2016 and 2017 enrolled in a simple randomization in which a group of 5 participants received alirocumab (75 mg every 2 weeks) and the remaining 5 patients received evolocumab (140 mg every 2 weeks). Comparative analysis was made, analyzing the means of LDL at baseline at 4, 6, and 12 weeks.

Safety and Efficacy of Alpha Lipoic Acid During 4 Years of Observation: A Retrospective, Clinical Trial in Healthy Subjects in Primary Prevention.

Aim: To evaluate the safety of four different dosages of alpha lipoic acid (400, 600, 800, and 1200 mg) as food supplement on adverse events related to alpha lipoic acid consumption and efficacy on glycemic status and lipid profile in subjects with euglycemia or dysglycemia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study enrolling 322 patients, 83 taking 400 mg/day, 78 taking 600 mg/day, 80 taking 800 mg/day, and 81 taking 1200 mg/day alpha lipoic acid, respectively.

Results: In the groups treated with alpha lipoic acid 800 and 1200 mg/day, we registered a reduction of FPG, TC, LDL-C, and Tg compared to baseline (p < 0.

Galectin-3 Plasma Levels Are Associated with Risk Profiles in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Galectin-3 is a circulating biomarker of fibrosis whose prognostic role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has not been fully explored. We undertook a pilot study to evaluate the relationship between galectin-3 plasma levels and validated risk scores in PAH. The study included 70 PAH patients admitted to a single referral center from June 2016 to June 2018.

A role for quercetin in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Several months ago, an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown aetiology was detected in Wuhan City (China) and the aetiological agent of the atypical pneumonia was isolated by the Chinese authorities as novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2). The WHO announced this new disease was to be known as "COVID-19." When looking for new antiviral compounds, knowledge of the main viral proteins is fundamental.

Quercetin Phytosome® as a potential candidate for managing COVID-19.

When looking for new antiviral compounds aimed to counteract the COVID-19, a disease caused by the recently identified novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the knowledge of the main viral proteins is fundamental. The major druggable targets of SARS-CoV-2 include 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and spike (S) protein. Molecular docking studies have highlighted that quercetin, a natural polyphenol belonging to the flavonol class, inhibits 3CLpro, PLpro and S proteins.