BackgroundIn recent years, a great attention has been focused on Spirulina platensis as a source of potential valuable nutrients for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. The objectives of the current study were to determine the effects of Spirulina platensis on anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, appetite and serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in obese individuals.MethodsIn the current study sixty four obese individuals aged 20–50 years were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and placebo. Intervention group (n = 29) received each 500 mg of the Spirulina platensis a twice-daily dosage while the control group (n = 27) received two pills daily starch for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters and serum VEGF and lipid profile were measured in fasting blood samples at the beginning and end of the study period. Dietary intakes were assessed by a 24-h recall method and appetite was measured using standard visual analogue scale (VAS).ResultsBody weight and body mass index (BMI) were decreased in intervention and placebo treated groups although the mean reduction in Spirulina platensis-treated group was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Serum total cholesterol (TC) significantly reduced in intervention group (P < 0.05). Also, treatment with Spirulina platensis significantly reduced appetite (P = 0.008). Mean serum VEGF, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides did not change significantly after intervention. Serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations (HDL-c) significantly increased in both groups while no difference in mean difference of this change has been observed.ConclusionSpirulina supplementation at a dose of 1 g/d for 12 weeks is effective in modulating body weight and appetite and partly modifies serum lipids. This can further confirm the efficacy of this herbal supplement in control and prevention of obesity and obesity- related disorders.Trial registrationIranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT registration number: IRCT2015071219082N7; Date registered: September 12, 2015).

Background Over the last decade, many researchers tried to evaluate the effects of collagen supplements on skin aging and surprisingly revealed that the interventions improved skin aging parameters without any inconsistency. Aim This systematic review assesses the literature regarding the effects of collagen supplements on skin health parameters in healthy and patient subjects, focusing on mechanisms of action. Methods At the first step of search in the databases, 9057 items were obtained. After removal of duplicate items, 6531 publications remained. Further screening by title and/or abstract resulted in removal of 6500 items. Finally, full texts of the 31 remained items were assessed for eligibility and 10 publications were included in this review. Results The evidences obtained from these systematic reviews indicated that oral administration of intact or hydrolyzed collagen improves clinical manifestation of skin health. Almost all of the included studies reported the beneficial effects of collagen supplementation, and no inconsistencies have been seen in this regard between studies. Conclusions In this systematic review, three different mechanisms of action were clarified for the intervention. Direct effects of collagen peptides on fibroblasts, M2‐like macrophages, and oral tolerance‐related mechanisms are the possible mechanisms for the beneficial effects of collagen supplementation.

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Furan as a product of thermal processing is found in many foods and beverages. In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity was positive for furan, also when metabolic preconditions for the formation of Z‐2‐butene‐1,4dialdehyde (BDA), the reactive compound, was met. However, in major studies, high doses represented the genotoxic effect. Moreover, data on toxicity in different cells and organs are inconsistent. For preparing remarkable risk assessments in human, providing bioassay data is necessary. We aimed to review available evidences about furan and BDA. A vast number of studies have been published on toxicity of furan in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we present a comprehensive review on the current status of furan in inducing toxic effects in different body systems, and possible mechanisms involved in the negative effects of this compound. In this article, furan mitigation procedures in foods have been taken into account. Practical applications From industrial point, furan is repeatedly used as an intermediate chemical in the process of producing some compounds such as resins, lacquers, pesticides and drugs. Furthermore, it is common as a side‐product of high‐energy radiation and thermal processes in food production. The current study focused on the effects of furan on the body organs. Furthermore, furan mitigation procedures in foods have been addressed in the current study. Nearly all previous studies on the industrial furan demonstrated that it has adverse health effects on the organs of the body. In order to prove specific results, further studies regarding furan risk assessment is of great importance.

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