Micronutrients constitute an adjuvant treatment for respiratory viral infections. Since there is no effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19 yet, adjuvant intervention for the survival of critically ...ill patients may be significant. Search of the PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane databases was carried out to find human studies investigating the prognostic role of micronutrient status and the effects of micronutrient supplementation intervention in COVID-19 outcomes of adult patients. Patients with certain comorbidities (diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, renal failure, liver dysfunction etc.) or pregnant women were excluded. 31 studies (27 observational studies and 4 clinical trials) spanning the years 2020–2021, pertaining to 8624 COVID-19 patients (mean age±SD, 61 ± 9 years) were included in this systematic review. Few studies provided direct evidence on the association of serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium to patients' survival or death. Vitamin D and calcium were the most studied micronutrients and those with a probable promising favorable impact on patients. This review highlights the importance of a balanced nutritional status for a favorable outcome in COVID-19. Micronutrients’ deficiency on admission to hospital seems to be related to a high risk for ICU admission, intubation and even death. Nevertheless, evidence for intervention remains unclear.
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•Micronutrients constitute an effective adjuvant co-therapy for viral infections.•Patients' micronutrient status is related to the course and outcome of COVID-19.•Most studied are vitamin D and calcium, with a probable favorable impact.•Individuals should maintain a balanced nutritional status to overcome COVID-19.
Although the use of nutritional supplements by adult athletes has been extensively studied, information on supplements consumption by adolescent athletes is still limited. The present study reports ...on the use of nutritional supplements contaminated with banned doping substances among 170 recreational adolescent athletes from eleven, randomly selected, gym centres, in Athens, Greece. Nutritional supplements consumption was reported by almost 60% of the study population, with proteins/amino acids and vitamins being the most popular. Nine per cent of the users were found to consume nutritional supplements contaminated with anabolic steroids, prohormones, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and aromatase inhibitors, all pharmacological substances with endocrine modulating properties not stated on the label. None of these individuals had previously consulted a physician or a nutritionist. A representative sample (ca 15%) of the protein/aminoacids and creatine preparations used by the study population were also tested and found free from doping substances. The majority (63%) of adolescents purchased products from the internet. In conclusion, exercising adolescents can have easy access to contaminated nutritional supplements and “black market” products, which could constitute a risk for public health. Low level of awareness and low involvement of medical care professionals among recreational adolescent athletes is also observed.
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•Almost 60% of recreational adolescent athletes in Greece use nutritional supplements.•Nine per cent of the users were found to consume nutritional supplements contaminated with doping substances.•Contaminations were pharmacological substances with endocrine modulating properties not stated on the label.•Protein/aminoacids and creatine preparations tested were found free from doping substances.
•IL-6, TNF-α, ADMA and homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in AD patients compared to controls.•Protein carbonyls levels were increased in AD patients.•GSH level and TAC were lower in AD ...patients, suggesting an impaired self-defense ability against oxidative stress.•Depending on the treatment received, a distinct inflammatory and oxidative stress profile was observed.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia accounting for 60–80% of the reported cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of certain parameters of oxidative stress and markers of endothelial dysfunction in the blood of 21 AD patients under standard treatment compared with 10 controls, in an attempt to elucidate the contribution of AD to the total oxidative stress status of the patients. Results indicate that IL-6, TNF-α, ADMA and homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in AD patients. Protein carbonyls levels were higher in AD group, while glutathione reductase and total antioxidant capacity were lower, depicting decreased defense ability against reactive oxygen species. Besides, a higher level of advanced glycation end-products was observed in AD patients. Depending on the treatment received, a distinct inflammatory and oxidative stress profile was observed: in Rivastigmine-treated group, IL6 levels were 47% lower than the average value of the remaining AD patients; homocysteine and glutathione reductase were statistically unchanged in the Rivastigmine and Donepezil–Memantine, respectively Donepezil group. Although the study is based on a limited population, the results could constitute the basis for further studies regarding the effect of medication and diet on AD patients.
Background
The aim of this study was to determine the mean age at which coronary artery disease (CAD) hase decreased in recent years in Iran. This systematic review and meta‐analysis compares the ...prevalence of different risk factors of premature CAD (PCAD) in patients vs healthy individuals.
Methods
Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Scientific Information Database were searched for studies about PCAD risk factors in Iran until 28 October 2017. Observational studies of Iranians, comparing risk factors between patients with PCAD and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects, were included. Fixed‐effects and random‐effects model were used for pooling data. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI and mean difference were used for effect size estimation among studies.
Results
Twelve studies were eligible for meta‐analysis. Diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.9‐3.03; P = 0.0001, I2 = 25.5%; P = 0.2), family history of CAD (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.22‐3.6; P = 0.007, I2 = 86%; P = 0.0001), dyslipidaemia (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.15‐3.64; P = 0.01, I2 = 54%; P = 0.08), smoking (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.11‐2.46; P = 0.01, I2 = 77.2%; P = 0.000) and hypertension (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.21 to‐1.50; P < 0.001, I2 = 31%, P = 0.1) associated with PCAD. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that patients with PCAD had significantly lower levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly higher levels of triglycerides compared to healthy subjects (MD: −2.56, 95% CI: −3.54 to −1.58, P < 0.001, I2 = 42%, P = 0.01 and MD: 21.17, 95% CI: 14.73‐27.62, P < 0.001, I2 = 80.12%, P < 0.001, respectively). It should be noted that although high levels of heterogeneity in LDL and HDL values among the studies were observed, when dyslipidaemia was studied as a binary variable, no significant heterogeneity among studies was observed.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus, family history of CAD, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and hypertension were significantly and positively associated with CAD in young adults compared to healthy age‐ and sex‐matched population in Iran.
Obesity and thus, lipotoxicity, is a major health risk factor. Modern exposure to environmental chemicals has contributed significantly to the obesity epidemic. The purpose of this study was to ...assess, via telemedicine and using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in schools, the levels of adiposity and other body composition parameters of Greek adolescents in relation with their metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics.
A representative sample (1575 adolescents, 14.4 ± 1.7 years-old) of the Attica region population, underwent body composition assessment of fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and total body water (TBW) and was evaluated for anthropometric and MetS characteristics.
Males demonstrated higher FFM% and TBW% but lower FM% than females. Adolescents with abdominal obesity/MetS (n = 149/n = 40) demonstrated significantly (P < 0.001) higher body mass index (BMI 27.8 ± 3.8 kg/m2/30.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2) and FM (33.6 ± 9.7%/35.0 ± 10.5%) but significantly (P < 0.001) lower FFM (34.2 ± 5.7%/33.8 ± 6.2%) and TBW (45.6 ± 6.7%/44.6 ± 7.2%) than adolescents without abdominal obesity/MetS (BMI 20.9 ± 2.8 kg/m2/21.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2; FM 19.2 ± 6.9%/20.2 ± 8.0%; FFM 41.3 ± 4.4%/40.8 ± 4.8%; TBW 55.5 ± 4.8%/54.8 ± 5.5%).
Findings suggest that early “osteosarcopenic” elements of abdominal obesity/MetS may exist even in adolescence. The application of BIA, incorporated in the new approach methodology of telemedicine in schools, identified adolescents at risk for obesity complications.
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•Telemedicine in schools identified adolescents at risk for obesity complications.•Bioelectrical impedance can discriminate adolescents with/without abdominal obesity.•Waist circumference is a robust assessment tool for adolescent visceral adiposity.•Osteosarcopenic elements exist in adolescent abdominal obesity/metabolic syndrome.
Environmental pollution, local climatic conditions and their association with the prevalence and exacerbation of asthma are topics of intense current medical investigation.
Air pollution in the area ...of Vladivostock was estimated both by the index of emission volumes of "air gaseous components" (nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide) in urban atmosphere and by mass spectrometric analysis of precipitates in snow samples. A total of 172 local asthma patients (101 controlled-asthma patients–CAP and 71 non-controlled asthma patients – nCAP) were evaluated with the use of spirometry and body plethysmography. Airway obstruction reversibility was evaluated with the use of an inhaled bronchodilator. Using discriminant analysis the association of environmental parameters with clinical indices of asthma patients is explored and thresholds of impact are established.
CAP presented high sensitivity to large-size suspended air particles and to several of the studied climatic parameters. Discriminant analysis showed high values of Wilks’ lambda index (α = 0.69–0.81), which implies limited influence of environmental factors on the respiratory parameters of CAP. nCAP were more sensitive and susceptible to the majority of the environmental factors studied, including air suspended toxic metals particles (Cr, Zn and Ni). Air suspended particles showed higher tendency for pathogenicity in nCAP population than in the CAP, with a wider range of particle sizes being involved. Dust fractions ranging from 0 to 1 μm and from 50 to 100 μm were additionally implicated compared to CAP group. Considerably lowest thresholds levels of impact are calculated for nCAP.
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•Snow precipitates of air suspended particles/air “gaseous” components analyzed.•Spirography/body plethysmography used to evaluate 172 asthma patients.•Controlled and non-controlled asthma patients were identified using ACQ-5 test.•Particle sizes and air suspended metals were associated with asthma indices.•Thresholds of impact for air suspended particles and metals were established.
Snow precipitates analysis links air pollution to asthma indices depending on disease control.
Umbelliprenin relieves paclitaxel‐induced neuropathy Shahraki, Jafar; Rezaee, Ramin; Mohammadzehi Kenar, Sabereh ...
Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology,
December 2020, Letnik:
72, Številka:
12
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Objectives
Umbelliprenin (UMB) is a prenylated coumarin that acts as an in vitro antioxidant and inhibits lipoxygenase managing the inflammation pathways, while in vivo it exerts anti‐inflammatory ...activities.
Methods
In this study, neuropathic pain was induced by four intraperitoneal doses of 2 mg/kg per day of paclitaxel (PTX) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Here, 49 male mice were randomly divided in the following groups: sham (not treated animals), negative control (PTX‐treated receiving normal saline), single‐dose UMB 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg groups (PTX‐treated receiving UMB 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, respectively), prevention (PTX‐treated receiving PTX along with UMB 12.5 mg/kg on days 1, 3, 5 and 7) and positive control group (PTX‐treated receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg as acute treatment). Hot‐plate test was done to assess response to heat. Finally, interleukin (IL)‐6 levels in the sciatic nerve and lipid peroxidation in sera were assessed.
Key findings
Umbelliprenin was found equally effective for acute treatment with imipramine, when comparing the prevention group and the positive control group. Single, 25 mg/kg UMB effectively attenuated hyperalgesia, lipid peroxidation and IL‐6 levels.
Conclusions
Umbelliprenin alleviated neuropathic pain, and decreased serum IL‐6 levels and oxidative stress. UMB deserves further investigations, especially in clinical settings.
Background
Using telemedicine in the school setting in Greece, we screened a representative adolescent sample for MetS (International Diabetes Federation criteria) and explored its associations with ...anthropometric, sociodemographic and behavioural parameters.
Materials and methods
Cross‐sectional data were obtained from 12‐ to 17‐year‐old high school students.
Results
The prevalence of MetS in 1578 adolescents (mean age ± SD 14.4 ± 1.7 years) was 2.6% (3.4% among males; 2.0% among females), highest (4.3%) at age 13 years and lowest (1.3%) at 16 years. Adolescents with MetS had significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) ± SD than those without MetS (30.2 ± 4.2 vs 21.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2, respectively; P < 0.001); among participants with obesity, 31.6% had MetS. Abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL‐cholesterol, impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) and elevated blood pressure (BP) were detected in 9.5%, 2.3%, 10.7%, 25.9% and 21.8% of participants, respectively. Additional analysis (modified NCEP:ATPIII youth criteria) demonstrated similar overall prevalence of MetS (2.9%). Statistically significant correlations were found between most anthropometric and MetS characteristics, with the exception of FBG, which was correlated only with systolic BP. BMI was strongly correlated with waist and hip circumferences (r = 0.818, P < 0.001; r = 0.825, P < 0.001, respectively). Single parenthood and older maternal age (>60 years) were risk factors for MetS. Although counterintuitive, body image distortion, body dissatisfaction and bullying about weight were more prevalent in normal weight girls.
Conclusions
The overall prevalence of MetS was low but 12‐fold higher when obesity was taken into account. Impaired FBG and elevated BP were the most prevailing features. Telemedicine services were used effectively in Greek schools for screening youth MetS.
The present study was designed to evaluate whether AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) synthesized with the Cynara scolymus (CS) leaf exert protective and/or alleviative effects on arsenic (As)-induced ...hippocampal neurotoxicity in mice. Neurotoxicity in mice was developed by orally treating 10 mg/kg/day sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) for 21 days. 10 µg/g AuNPs, 1.6 g/kg CS, and 10 µg/g CS-AuNPs were administered orally simultaneously with 10 mg/kg As. CS and CS-AuNPs treatments showed down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1β levels. CS and CS-AuNPs also ameliorated apoptosis and reduced the alterations in the expression levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors induced by As. Simultaneous treatment with CS and CS-AuNPs improved As-induced learning, memory deficits, and motor coordination in mice assessed by water maze and locomotor tests, respectively. The results of this study provide evidence that CS-AuNPs demonstrated neuroprotective roles with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as improving D1 and D2 signaling, and eventually reversed neurobehavioral impairments.
•Motor and non-motor dysfunction was seen after NaAsO2 administration.•D1 and D2 receptor alteration rely on the oxido-inflammation.•CS and CS-AuNPs attenuate As-induced motor and cognitive impairments.•CS and CS-AuNPs alter antioxidant and cytokine levels in PD rat brains.•Targeting D1 and D2 signaling may help to fight motor and non-motor symptoms.
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury as a result of iodinated contrast-media use for diagnostic purposes. Pathophysiology remains unclear. In ...the present study iopromide was administered to New Zealand white rabbits without any prior intervention. Oxidative stress was assessed in blood and tissue level at three anatomical kidney areas (medullary, cortical, juxtamedullary). Histopathological evaluation was also performed. Serum creatinine and urea increased in the CIN groups over 25% at two hours after administration and returned to baseline at 48 h. In kidney tissues, a significant reduction (40%) of catalase in renal cortexes of the CIN groups was observed. Necrosis and tubular vacuolization was also noted that correlated with urea and creatinine levels. Lipid peroxidation decreased at 10 h after administration (>45%) and remained low even at 48 h. Plasma protein carbonyls were significantly increased (67%) in 2 h and dropped later. Serum levels of creatinine and urea at 24 and 48 h significantly correlated with the Total Antioxidant Activity and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Oxidative stress is shown to be involved in CIN development in the rabbit, with more pronounced effects to be confined to the cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla.
•Iopromide caused >25% increase in serum creatinine and urea at two hours after administration to New Zealand white rabbits.•In kidney tissues, a significant reduction (40%) of catalase in renal cortexes of the treated animals was observed.•Necrosis and vacuolization at the medullary, cortical, juxtamedullary part of the kidney correlated with creatinine.•Lipid peroxidation irreversibly decreased (>45%) at 10 h after administration.•Plasma protein carbonyls were significantly increased (67%) in 2 h and dropped later.
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