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Background Meteorin-like (Metrnl) is an adipokine with insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties that has been discovered recently. The relation among Metrnl, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and obesity has been unexplored yet. Methods The present study was conducted on 54 healthy control, 42 Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and 43 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients who were diagnosed by pathological examination. In all participants, serum levels of adiponectin, Metrnl, interleukin (IL)-6, and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured using ELISA kits. Results Metrnl concentration was considerably lower in both UC (85.25 ± 36.55 pg/mL) and CD (76.93 ± 27.92 pg/mL) patients in comparison to control (107.52 ± 35.33 pg/mL). In addition, it was seen that both patient groups have a decreased level of adiponectin compared to the controls. Besides that, the level of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly greater in the patient groups. Moreover, the result showed that the level of Metrnl is inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI) in the controls and the patients. Metrnl levels are also inversely associated with IL-6, and TNF-α in both of the patient groups. Conclusions The current study is the first one reporting the decreased levels of Metrnl in serum among patients with IBD, which is inversely related with BMI, TNF-α, and IL-6. These results suggested a possible relation of Metrnl with the pathogenesis of IBD, particularly through inflammatory process, although further studies are warranted to dissect the possible mechanism.

Background As chronic kidney disease (CKD) is amongst the current global health challenges, this study is aiming to evaluate the long-term intake of total polyphenol and its subclasses in association with CKD incidence. Methods For the purpose of this study, a sample of 3021 Iranian adults (47 % men, aged 20–79 years) with no CKD diagnosis at baseline, were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study population. The total intake of polyphenol and its major subclasses were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire and categorized as flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. Although the morphological abnormalities of the kidneys or 3-month persistent urinalysis can distinctively define CKD, the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction is accepted as a more precise index of renal function. Therefore, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 was the exclusive index of CKD diagnosis in the current study. The eGFR was calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. Cox-regression analysis was used to assess the hazard ratio and 95 % confidence intervals of CKD in quartiles of the total polyphenols. Results In this study, 355 CKD cases over 11,058.464 person-years was reported. The median (IQR) age of participants was 36 years (27–46) at baseline. Moderate intake of lignans (≤ 6.8 mg) was negatively associated with the incidence of CKD in the adjusted model. No significant associations were detected between higher amounts of lignin and total polyphenols (HR: 0.97, 95 % CI 0.67–1.40) and CKD incidence. Conclusions Based on the current findings, moderate intake of lignin possess CKD-protective properties by approximately 32 %. No independent associations were observed between higher amounts of lignins and CKD incidence.

The prevalence of chronic diseases has increased significantly with the rising trend of sedentary lifestyles, reduced physical activity, and dietary modifications in recent decades. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the pathophysiology of several chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hepatic conditions. Therefore, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of various chronic disorders. Since chronic diseases are not completely curable, various methods have been proposed for their control. Complementary therapies and the use of natural antioxidant and antiinflammatory compounds are among these novel approaches. Pycnogenol (PYC) is a natural compound that could control inflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, some previous studies have shown that PYC could effectively reduce inflammation through signaling the downstream of insulin receptors, inhibiting the phosphorylation of the serine residues of insulin receptor substrate‐1, reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indices through the stimulation of antioxidant pathways, increasing free radical scavenging activities, preventing lipid peroxidation, and protecting the erythrocytes in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐deficient individuals, although these effects have not been fully proved. The present study aimed to comprehensively review the evidence concerning the positive physiological and pharmacological properties of PYC, with an emphasis on the therapeutic potential of this natural component for enhancing human health.