Purpose This study aims, a systematic review and meta-analysis, to evaluate the effects of folic acid (folate) on patients with depression. Design/methodology/approach Related articles were found by searching PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of science and Cochrane’s Library, from inception to January 2022. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Findings Pooled analysis of six randomized controlled trials revealed that folic acid supplementation decreased the depression score in the Beck Depression Inventory (WMD: −3.9; 95% CI: −5.3 to −2.4, p < 0.001) compared with control group, without heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%, p = 1.000). It also lowered the depression score in the Hamilton (HAM) Depression Inventory (WMD: −3.5 mg/dL; 95% CI: −4.6 to −2.4, p < 0.001) compared with control group, with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 71.8%, p = 0.007). Moreover, subgroup analysis showed that the folic acid supplementation reduced HAM in all subgroups. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that there is no evidence of a significant linear relationship between dose and duration of folic acid supplementation and changes in HAM. Also, based on the non-linear dose response, no evidence of a relationship between dose and duration of folic acid supplementation and changes in HAM was found. Originality/value Folic acid supplementation could possibly have an effect on lowering depression in patients. However, the clinical trials thus far are insufficient for clinical guidelines and practice.

No abstract

No abstract

Studies indicate an association between hyperuricemia (HUA) and metabolic syndrome risk factors. On the other hand, obesity is a major modifiable and independent risk factor for HUA and gout. However, evidence concerning the effects of bariatric surgery on serum uric acid levels is limited and not completely clarified. This retrospective study was carried out with 41 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (n = 26) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 15) from September 2019 to October 2021. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data, including uric acid blood urea nitrogen and creatinine fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum triglyceride (TG), and serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were measured preoperatively and postoperative 3, 6 and 12 months. From baseline to 6 and 12 months, bariatric surgery resulted in a significant decrease in serum uric acid of patients with severe obesity (p < 0.001). The decreases in serum FBS, TG, and cholesterol of patients were significant during 6 and 12 months of follow-up (p < 0.05). However, the HDL increase of patients was not statistically significant in 6 and 12 months (p > 0.05). Besides, although patients’ serum level of LDL decreased significantly during the 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.007), it was not significant after 12 months (p = 0.092). Bariatric surgery significantly reduces serum uric acid levels. Therefore, it may be an effective supplementary therapy for lowering serum uric acid concentrations in morbidly obese patients.

Background and Aims. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in severely obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Assessing the prevalence and severity of NAFLD seems crucial since it may affect the prevention or development of more severe forms of fatty liver. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 228 severely obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Abdominal ultrasonography was done, and clinical and biochemical factors (liver enzymes, lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar (FBS)) were assessed. Results. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 43.45 ± 5.92  kg/m2. The prevalence of NAFLD was 49.12% (mild steatosis: 37.5%, moderate steatosis: 36.6%, and severe steatosis: 25.8%). The main risk factors of NAFLD were weight ( p = 0.002 ), BMI ( p = 0.003 ), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ( p < 0.001 ), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ( p < 0.001 ), serum triglycerides (TGs) ( p = 0.004 ), and FBS ( p = 0.039 ). The results revealed a statistically significant decrease in the mean level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ( p = 0.044 ). However, no significant association was found between the severity of liver steatosis and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and dyslipidemia. Conclusions. More severe NAFLD was associated with increased weight and BMI. Elevated ALT, AST, TG, and FBS levels and decreased HDL-C levels were also the risk factors of NAFLD and its progress to more severe conditions.