Effects of Ellagic Acid on Oxidative Stress Index, Inflammatory Markers and Quality of Life in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a major role in IBS. Considering the antioxidant properties of ellagic acid (EA), this study was designed to evaluate the effect of EA on oxidative stress index, inflammatory markers, and quality of life in patients with IBS. This research was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial; 44 patients with IBS were recruited. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to consume a capsule containing 180 mg of EA per day (n = 22) or a placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. Also, quality of life was assessed using a self-report questionnaire for IBS patients (IBS-QOL). At the end of the study, we saw a significant decrease and increase in the MDA and TAC in the intervention group, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, EA consumption reduced CRP and IL-6 levels, and these changes were significant in comparison with placebo group changes (p < 0.05). The overall score of IBS-QOL significantly decreased, and quality of life was increased (p < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in the placebo group. According to these findings, receiving polyphenols, such as EA, may help maintain intestinal health by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress and ultimately improving the quality of life in IBS patients.

Effects of probiotic and alpha-lipoic acid supplements, separately or in combination on the anthropometric indicators and maintenance of weight in overweight individuals

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Weight loss after proper diet is one of the main topics in nutrition. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of probiotic and alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA) supplements on the anthropometric indicators and maintenance of weight in overweight individuals.

METHODS

This study consisted of two phases of weight loss (8 weeks) and weight maintenance (16 weeks). Eighty-eight overweight participants were randomly divided into 4 groups in phase 1: isocaloric diet with probiotic (500 mg), an isocaloric diet with ALA (600 mg) and probiotic, an isocaloric diet with ALA and isocaloric diet with placebo. In phase 2, participants received a normal diet with the mentioned supplements. In the beginning, end of the phase 1, and at the end of phase 2, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body fat percentage, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Also, 10 cc blood samples were taken from subjects to measure C-reactive protein (CRP). Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

At the end of the two phases, the differences of changes in the probiotic + ALA group was significant in weight, WC, and CRP factors when compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Also, at the end of the study, maintain a reduced weight was significantly higher in the probiotic + ALA group than in the other groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to findings, probiotics and ALA supplementation with normal diet help to maintain decreased weight after adhering to a weight loss diet. This may be due to the reduction of inflammation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

(IRCT20141025019669N10).

Comparison of levofloxacin versus clarithromycin efficacy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection causes multiple upper gastrointestinal diseases but optimal therapeutic regimen which can eradicate infection in all the cases has not yet been defined. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of triple levofloxacin-based versus clarithromycin-based therapy.

METHODS

In this open-label randomized clinical trial study 120 patients who had esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with positive rapid urease test (RUT) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups. Case group was treated with levofloxacin (500 mg daily) plus amoxicillin (1 gr twice a day) plus omeprazole (20 mg daily) for 2 weeks. Control group was treated with clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day) plus omeprazole (20 mg daily) for 2 weeks. After the main course of treatment, they received maintenance treatment with omeprazole for 4 weeks. Stool antigen test was performed on them after two weeks of not having any medicine.

RESULTS

H.pylori eradication (intention to treat analysis) was successful in 75% of case group and 51.7% of control group showing a significant difference (P=0.008). H.p infection eradication (per-protocol analysis) was successful in 80.4% in case group and 57.4%% in control group showing significant difference (P=0.009). Drugs adverse effects causing discontinuation treatment were seen in 5% of case group and 3.3% of control group which have not shown a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.648).

CONCLUSION

Triple therapy with levofloxacin-based regimen has better efficacy than clarithromycin-based regimen and as safe as it is.