Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Evidence shows that smaller and denser low-dense lipoprotein (sdLDL) particles are independent atherogenic risk factors for CVD due to their greater susceptibility to oxidation, and permeability in the endothelium of arterial walls. sdLDL levels are an independent risk factor and of more predictive value than total LDL-C for the assessment of coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome. Functional food ingredients have attracted significant attention for the management of dyslipidemia and subsequently increase cardio-metabolic health. However, to date there is no study that has investigated the effect of these bioactive natural compounds on sdLDL levels. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize the evidence accrued on the effect of special dietary ingredients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, nutraceuticals and herbal medicines on the levels of sdLDL, LDL particle number, and LDL particle size. Based on the results of the existing clinical trials this review suggests that natural products such as medicinal plants, nutraceuticals and omega-3 fatty acids can be used as adjunct or complementary therapeutic agents to reduce sdLDL levels, LDL particle numbers or increase LDL particle size and subsequently may prevent and treat CVD, with the advantage that theses natural agents are generally safe, accessible, and inexpensive.

: Periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss among adults. Research shows that inflammation is one of the crucial components in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Various herbal medicines have recently been receiving attention for the management of periodontitis owing to their general safety and efficacy. Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa, has been shown to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Several studies have assessed the efficacy of curcumin against periodontal diseases. These studies have shown equivalent or even higher efficacy of curcumin compared to the commonly used medications for the management of periodontitis such as chlorhexidine. Herein, we review the experimental and clinical findings on the anti-periodontitis effects of curcumin and the pharmacological mechanisms underlying these effects.

Plasticizers are usually added to improve the mechanical and conditional (thermomechanical) quality of film coatings. Different molecular weights and concentrations of polyethylene glycol were incorporated as plasticizers in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) films. Thermomechanical and mechanical properties of cast films were tested using tensile and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) testing, respectively. The results, as expected, showed that addition of plasticizer caused a decrease in both mechanical and thermomechanical properties, but lower grades had more effect than higher molecular weights and concentrations. The conclusion could be drawn that combining different grades of plasticizers to optimize mechanical and thermomechanical properties is more efficient than using different concentrations of plasticizers.

: Curcumin is among the most extensively studied phytochemicals. Curcumin is isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. This naturally occurring nutraceutical compound has a variety of pharmacological effects including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective and anti-diabetic ones. Wnt signaling pathway is known to play a significant role in different diseases, as well as in embryogenesis and development of various organs and systems. The effects of Curcumin on the Wnt signaling pathway will be largely described to identify that how Curcumin changes Wnt pathway to exert its therapeutic effects.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder involving multiple deleterious molecular pathways and cellular defects leading to disturbance in the biologic milieu. It is currently a global health concern with growing incidence, especially among younger adults.There is an unmet need to find new therapeutic targets for the management of diabetes. Vitamin D is a promising target in the pathophysiology of DM, especially since vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with diabetes compared to people without diabetes. Evidence suggests that it can play significant roles in improving peripheral insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, however, the exact pathophysiological mechanism is not clarified yet. In this current study, we have reviewed the evidence on the effect of vitamin D in improving insulin resistance via distinct molecular pathways.