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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly related to cardiovascular disorders risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) supplementation on cardiovascular disorders risk factors in patients with NAFLD. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with NAFLD. Participants were assigned to receive a lifestyle modification plus 2 g/day of either N. sativa or placebo for 12 weeks. Compared with the placebo, N. sativa supplementation led to significant reductions in serum glucose (−7.95 vs. −1.22; p = .041), serum insulin (−3.87 vs. −1.07; p = .027), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (−1.02 vs. −0.28; p = .021), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.03 vs. 0.006; p = .002). All of these changes were remained significant after adjusting for known confounding variables; however, there was no significant difference in lipid profile changes between the two groups (p = .05). N. sativa supplementation significantly decreased hepatic steatosis percentage compared with the placebo after adjustment for confounding variables (p = .005). In conclusion, our results indicate that daily intake of 2‐g N. sativa plus lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone in amelioration of insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD.

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Background and aims The main causes of death in patients with severe Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiorgan failure caused by a severe inflammatory cascade. Novel treatment strategies, such as stem-cell-based therapy and their derivatives can be used to relieve inflammation in these cases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their derived extracellular vesicles in COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods COVID-19 patients with ARDS were included in this study and allocated into two study and control groups using block randomization. While all patients received recommended treatment based on guidelines from the national advisory committee for COVID-19 pandemic, the two intervention groups received two consecutive injections of MSCs (100 × 106 cells) or one dose of MSCs (100 × 106 cells) followed by one dose of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). Patients were assessed for safety and efficacy by evaluating clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory markers at baseline and 48 h after the second intervention. Results A total number of 43 patients (the MSC alone group = 11, MSC plus EV group = 8, and control group = 24) were included in the final analysis. Mortality was reported in three patients in the MSC alone group (RR: 0.49; 95% CI 0.14–1.11; P = 0.08); zero patient in the MSC plus EV group (RR: 0.08; 95% CI 0.005–1.26; P = 0.07) and eight patients in the control group. MSC infusion was associated with a decrease in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 (P = 0.015), TNF-α (P = 0.034), IFN-γ (P = 0.024), and CRP (P = 0.041). Conclusion MSCs and their extracellular vesicles can significantly reduce the serum levels of inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients, with no serious adverse events. Trial registration IRCT, IRCT registration number: IRCT20200217046526N2. Registered 13th April 2020, http://www.irct.ir/trial/47073.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with potentially fatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of l‐carnitine (LC) on secreted frizzled‐related protein‐5 (SFRP5), omentin, visfatin, and glycemic indices in PV patients under corticosteroid treatment. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 52 patients with PV were divided randomly into two groups to receive 2 g of LC or a placebo for 8 weeks. Serum levels of SFRP5, omentin, visfatin, and also glycemic indices were evaluated at the baseline and end of the study. LC supplementation significantly decreased the serum level of visfatin (95% CI [−14.718, −0.877], p = .05) and increased the serum levels of SFRP5 (95%CI [1.637, 11.380], p < .006) and omentin (95% CI [9.014, 65.286], p < .01). However, LC supplementation had no significant effects on the serum levels of glycemic factors such as insulin (95% CI [−1.125, 3.056], p = .426), fasting blood sugar (95% CI [−4.743, 3.642], p = .894), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (95% CI [−0.305, 0.528], p = .729), and quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index (95% CI [−0.016, −0.010], p = .81). LC supplementation decreased visfatin serum level and increased omentin‐1 and SFRP5 serum levels in patients with PV. However, it has no significant effect on the serum levels of insulin and glycemic indices.

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