Genistein in the Metabolic Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Context: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of genistein on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in Caucasian postmenopausal subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objective: Our objective was to assess the effects of genistein on surrogate endpoints associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Design and Setting: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at 3 university medical centers in Italy. Patients: Patients included 120 postmenopausal women with MetS according to modified Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Tre…
COVID 19 Vaccine for Adolescents. Concern about Myocarditis and Pericarditis
The alarming onset of some cases of myocarditis and pericarditis following the administration of Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines in adolescent males has recently been highlighted. All occurred after the second dose of the vaccine. Fortunately, none of patients were critically ill and each was discharged home. Owing to the possible link between these cases and vaccine administration, the US and European health regulators decided to continue to investigate the potential causal relationship between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis. In any case, none of the patients fulfilled the criteria for multi-system inflammatory syndrome or Kawasaki-like disease and there wa…
Genistein and endothelial function in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome
BackgroundPrevious data have suggested that genistein could exert beneficial effects on endothelial function and on predictors of cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women. In a randomized clinical trial, we studied the effects of genistein on endothelial function in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MS). MethodsTwenty postmenopausal women with MS, according to modified NCEP-ATP III criteria were randomly assigned to receive placebo or genistein (54mg/day) for 6months, along with a Mediterranean-style diet. Postmenopausal women without MS (n=15), served as controls. The primary goal was the assessment of endothelial function by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of brach…
Genistein supplementation and cardiac function in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome: Results from a pilot strain-echo study
Genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, may improve cardiovascular risk profile in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MetS), but few literature data on its cardiac effects in humans are available. The aim of this sub-study of a randomized double-blind case-control study was to analyze the effect on cardiac function of one-year genistein dietary supplementation in 22 post-menopausal patients with MetS. Participants received 54 mg/day of genistein (n = 11) or placebo (n = 11) in combination with a Mediterranean-style diet and regular exercise. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function was assessed as the primary endpoint, according to conventional and strain-echocardiography measurement…
Low- vs high-dose ARNI effects on clinical status, exercise performance and cardiac function in real-life HFrEF patients.
Purpose Only a few studies are available on dose-related effects of sacubitril/valsartan (angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibition (ARNI)) in real-life patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We sought to investigate clinical and functional effects in real-life HFrEF patients receiving ARNI at a different cumulative dose. Methods This was an observational study in consecutive outpatients admitted for HFrEF from October 2017 to June 2019. The PARADIGM criteria were needed for enrolment. ARNI was uptitrated according to blood pressure, drug tolerability, renal function and kaliemia. At least 10-month follow-up was required in each patient. Clinical assessment, Kan…