The effect of Nutrition Bio-shield superfood (NBS) on disease severity and laboratory biomarkers in patients with COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial

In Vitro and In Vivo Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO4) and Carvacrol (CV) Alone and in Combination with Antibiotics Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background/Objectives: Biofilm-embedded bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), are highly resistant to antibiotics, making their treatment challenging. Plant-based natural compounds (PBCs) and metal(loid)-based antimicrobials (MBAs) are promising alternatives. This study evaluated the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and synergistic effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), carvacrol (CV), and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin [CIP], tobramycin [TOB], and azithromycin [AZM]) against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Methods: The MIC and MBC of ZnSO4, CV, and antibiotics were determined using a 96-well plate method. Cytotoxicity was assessed via MTT assay. Fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC), fractional bactericidal concentration (FBC), minimal biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) indices were calculated for each combination of agents. Checkerboard assays identified interactions, and the effectiveness of combinations was further evaluated in a mouse chronic lung infection model with treatments delivered intratracheally, intraperitoneally, and orally. Results: TOB had the lowest MIC and MBC values, proving most effective against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Strong synergy was observed with CV + ZnSO4 (CV + Zn) combined with CIP, CV with CIP, and CV + Zn with TOB, as indicated by low FIC indices. CV + Zn with TOB and CV with TOB had low FBC indices, while CV + Zn with AZM showed antagonism. In vivo, intratracheal TOB + CV + Zn reduced lung inflammation and tissue involvement, yielding the best histopathological outcomes. The MIC of CIP and TOB was reduced 5-fold and 4-fold, respectively, when combined with CV + Zn. Conclusions: CV + Zn demonstrated strong synergistic effects with antibiotics and effectively managed P. aeruginosa lung infections in mice. These findings highlight its potential as an innovative therapy for biofilm-associated infections.

The Effect of one-week spinach and NBS superfood supplementation on interleukin-6, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels after repeated bouts of wingate test in trained men

BACKGROUND

Consuming nutritional supplements for improving athletic performance has always been considered an ergogenic aid. However, there is limited information on the efficacy of this strategy for enhancing antioxidant capacity in response to strenuous exercise with repeated nature. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of one week of spinach and NBS superfood supplementation on superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6 in response to repeated bouts of Wingate test.

METHODS

Fifteen trained men voluntarily participated in this within- participants and counter-balanced study. Participants were exposed to three different conditions including (1) seven days of raw spinach supplementation (daily dose of 70 g); (2) seven days of NBS superfood supplementation (daily dose of 10 g); and (3) the control condition. One day after the supplementation period, participants came to the lab and performed 3 bouts of 30-second Wingate test with 4-minute rest intervals. Before the supplementation and 24 h after performing the Wingate, test blood samples were taken in each condition to measure serum levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6. One week of wash-out was applied between the conditions. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that at post-test measurement the serum level of interleukin-6 was significantly lower under the spinach and superfood conditions (p = 0.001,p = 0.003, respectively) compared to the control. The serum level of superoxide dismutase under the spinach (p = 0.035) and superfood (p = 0.01) conditions was significantly higher compared to the control at post-test measurement. Also, at post-test measurement, the serum level of malondialdehyde was significantly lower under the spinach (p = 0.001) and superfood (p = 0.017) conditions compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of the present study, it seems that seven days' supplementation of either raw spinach or NBS superfood could positively affect the inflammatory responses to repeated anaerobic all-out activities. Therefore, these supplementation strategies might be considered ergogenic aids and used by athletes before participating in repeated strenuous activities.

A Comprehensive Insight into Apoptosis: Molecular Mechanisms, Signaling Pathways, and Modulating Therapeutics

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions. This review provides an in-depth insight into the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate apoptosis, highlighting both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Additionally, the review explains the tumor microenvironment's influence on apoptosis and its implications for cancer therapy resistance. Understanding the complex interplay between apoptotic signaling and cellular responses is crucial for developing targeted therapies that can effectively manage diseases associated with apoptosis dysregulation. The effects of conventional therapeutics and alternative substances with natural sources such as herbal compounds, alongside vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on cellular homeostasis and disease pathogenesis have been thoroughly investigated. Moreover, recent advances in therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating apoptosis are discussed, with a focus on novel interventions such as nutrition bio shield dietary supplement. These emerging approaches offer potential benefits beyond conventional treatments by selectively targeting apoptotic pathways to inhibit cancer progression and metastasis. By integrating insights from recent studies, this review aims to enhance our understanding of apoptosis and guide future research in developing innovative therapeutic approaches.

Prognostic value of serum amyloid A protein as a biomarker in the diagnosis of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

BACKGROUND

The current study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of serum amyloid A protein)SAA(protein as a biomarker in diagnosing 2019 novel coronavirus disease)COVID-19(infection.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 123 patients with definitive COVID-19 infection referred to Shahid Beheshti and Sina hospitals in Hamedan province, Iran. Five-milliliter blood samples were taken from all included patients and serum was isolated using a centrifuge at 10,000 rpm for 10 min. Laboratory tests were conducted, including c-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), potassium level, sodium blood test, platelets (PLT), complete blood count (CBC), lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count. The SAA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit was applied to measure the SAA level in serum samples.

RESULTS

123 patients included 73 males and 50 females, age ±50. Sixty-six (53.7 %) patients had negative CRP while 80 (65 %) patients had normal ESR. Potassium levels were not normal among 111 (94.9 %) patients. Seventy-seven (63.1 %) patients had normal CBC, while 108 (87.8 %) patients had neutrophils above the normal range. 94 (97.9 %) patients over the age of 50 were positive for SAA. In terms of gender, men were the most frequent patients with SAA. There was a statistically significant relationship between the serum level of SAA and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 (p = 0.0001). 94 % of patients with SAA ≤50 were recovered from COVID-19 infection. The sensitivity rate of SAA compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and computed tomography scan (CT scan) tests was 93 % and 99 %, respectively. Moreover, the accuracy of SAA compared to PCR and CT scan tests was 52 % and 96 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate the SAA is a sensitive, but not specific biomarker in the early detection of COVID-19. The quantitative levels of SAA can be useful in predicting treatment outcomes among patients with COVID-19.

Parvovirus B19 and Parvovirus 4 infections among healthy blood donors; A prevalence report from Iran

Background

Parvoviruses, characterized by their tropism for blood cells, can manifest as asymptomatic infections. With their ability to persist in blood, assessing the prevalence of Parvovirus B19 (B19V) and Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) among healthy blood donors is essential for evaluating the potential transmission risks through blood transfusions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive screening protocols.

Methods

Four hundred blood donors participated in the study, with their blood specimens subjected to Real-Time PCR analysis for B19V and PARV4 nucleic acids after obtaining informed consent. Additionally, Complete Blood Count (CBC) assessments and determination of anti-B19 V-IgM and anti-B19 V-IgG antibody titers were performed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for all collected samples.

Results

The results reveal that 12 out of 400 individuals (3 %) exhibited positive results for B19V DNA, while 6 out of 400 individuals (1.5 %) tested positive for PARV4 DNA. Additionally, 8 out of 400 individuals (2 %) displayed positive results for anti-B19V IgM, and 306 out of 400 individuals (76.5 %) exhibited positive results for anti-B19 IgG. Notably, one donation from a donor presenting anti-IgM antibodies was subsequently confirmed as B19V DNA-positive through Real-Time PCR. In the analysis of CBC, a significant disparity in platelet levels was observed between B19V-positive donors, PARV4-positive donors, and B19V-negative donors.

Conclusions

The study suggests that individuals at high risk, lacking detectable B19V antibodies, should undergo systematic screening and exclusion. This precaution is intended to minimize potential contamination risks within the studied cohort, despite the undefined pathogenesis and clinical implications of PARV4.

Can Methamphetamine-Induced Cardiotoxicity be Ameliorated by Aerobic Training and Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood Supplementation in Rats After Withdrawal?

The abuse of methamphetamine is a significant threat to cardiovascular health and has detrimental effects on the myocardium. The present study aims to explore potential interventions that can mitigate myocardial pyroptosis in rats following methamphetamine withdrawal. A total of 104 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups. The rats underwent a methamphetamine administration protocol, receiving intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg during the 1st week, followed by a weekly dose escalation of 1 mg/kg from the second to the 6th week and two times per day. Concurrently, the rats engaged in 6 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill aerobic training, lasting 60 min per day, 5 days a week. Simultaneously, the Nutrition bio-shield Superfood (NBS) supplement was administered at a dosage of 25 g/kg daily for 6 weeks. The study assessed the expression levels of Caspase-1, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) genes in myocardial tissue. Data analysis utilized a one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). The findings revealed that methamphetamine usage significantly elevated the expression of Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 genes (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, methamphetamine withdrawal led to a notable reduction in the expression of these genes (p ≤ 0.05). Noteworthy reductions in Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression were observed following aerobic training, supplementation, and the combined approach (p ≤ 0.05). The chronic use of methamphetamine was associated with cardiac tissue damage. This study highlights the potential of aerobic training and NBS Superfood supplementation in mitigating the harmful effects of methamphetamine-induced myocardial pyroptosis. The observed reductions in gene expression levels indicate promising interventions to address the cardiovascular consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The findings of this study suggest that a combination of aerobic exercise and NBS Superfood supplementation can provide a promising approach to mitigate the deleterious effects of methamphetamine on the heart. These findings can be useful for healthcare professionals and policymakers to design effective interventions to prevent and manage the adverse effects of methamphetamine abuse.

NBS superfood: a promising adjunctive therapy in critically ill ICU patients with omicron variant of COVID-19

This clinical trial aimed to assess the impact of Nutrition Bio-shield superfood (NBS) on clinical status among critically ill ICU patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. A total of 400 patients with confirmed Omicron-related ARDS were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 200) or the control group (n = 200). Patients in the intervention group received 1.5 g of NBS powder daily for 2 weeks in addition to standard antiviral treatment, while the control group received a placebo alongside standard antiviral therapy. Serum samples were collected from all patients in both groups, and various clinical and laboratory parameters, including ESR, CRP, D-Dimer, CPK, WBC count, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte percentage, were measured using established methodologies. Following a 14-day intervention period, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in mean serum levels of CRP (15.39 vs. 48.49; P < 0.001), ESR (14.28 vs. 34.03; P < 0.001), D-Dimer (485.18 vs. 1009.13; P = 0.001), and CPK (68.93 vs. 131.48; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conversely, a significant increase was observed in the mean serum levels of lymphocytes (1537.06 vs. 1152.60; P < 0.001) in the intervention group after 14 days of treatment compared to the control group. The remarkable reduction in inflammatory markers and mortality rates observed with NBS supplementation alongside standard antiviral treatment underscores its crucial role in mitigating inflammation and achieving an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19.

Modulation of pulmonary oxidative status in methamphetamine-withdrawn rats, comparing the effects of continuous training and NBS superfood supplementation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of six weeks of continuous training and Nutrition Bio-shield (NBS) Superfood Supplementation on the state of oxidative stress by the expression of Nrf2, NOX4, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde genes in the lungs of rats after methamphetamine withdrawal.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8, per group), undergoing methamphetamine administration (six weeks, 5 mg/kg ip, and once per day) followed by a 21-day withdrawal period. The rats were supplemented NBS superfood at a dosage of 25 g/kg per day for six weeks. The training protocol was 30 minutes of daily continuous training (treadmill running), five days a week for six weeks. The regimen escalated from a pace of 3 m/min for the initial 5 minutes, to 5 m/min for the following 5 minutes, culminating at 8 m/min for the remainder of the session, all at a 0° incline. A one-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the gene expression of Nrf2, NOX4, MDA, and SOD in the lungs tissue of rats.

RESULTS

The results indicated that, in the experimental groups which underwent continuous training and NBS Superfood supplementation, the expression of the Nrf2 gene exhibited a significant elevation compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the NOX4, MDA, and SOD genes expression exhibited a significant decline in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In general, both exercise interventions and NBS superfood supplementation, when employed separately or in combination after methamphetamine withdrawal, can enhance the state of oxidative stress in the lung.