Cysteine and homocysteine (Hcy), both sulfur‐containing amino acids (AAs), produced from methionine another sulfur‐containing amino acid, which is converted to Hcy and further converted to cysteine. ...This article aims to highlight the link between cysteine and Hcy, and their mechanisms, important functions, play in the body and their role as a biomarker for various types of diseases. So that using cysteine and Hcy as a biomarker, we can prevent and diagnose many diseases. This review concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated levels of homocysteine) is considered as toxic for cells and is associated with different health problems. Hyperhomocysteinemia and low levels of cysteine associated with various diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), ischemic stroke, neurological disorders, diabetes, cancer like lung and colorectal cancer, renal dysfunction‐linked conditions, and vitiligo.
Cysteine and homocysteine, both sulfur‐containing amino acids (AAs) produced from methionine another sulfur‐containing amino acid, which is converted to homocysteine and further converted to cysteine. The aim of this article is to highlight the link between cysteine and homocysteine, and their mechanisms, important functions, play in the body and their role as a biomarker for various different types of diseases. Hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated levels of homocysteine) is considered as toxic for cells and is associated with different health problems. Not only hyperhomocysteinemia but also low levels of cysteine in most cases is used as a biomarker for various diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), ischemic stroke, neurological disorders, diabetes, cancer like lung and colorectal cancer, renal dysfunction‐linked conditions, and vitiligo.
Vegetable oils (VOs), being our major dietary fat source, play a vital role in nourishment. Different VOs have highly contrasting fatty acid (FA) profiles and hence possess varying levels of health ...protectiveness. Consumption of a single VO cannot meet the recommended allowances of various FA either from saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), Ω-3 PUFAs, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Coconut oil (CO), flaxseed oil (FO), olive oil (OO), and sunflower oil (SFO) are among the top listed contrast VOs that are highly appreciated based on their rich contents of SFAs, Ω-3 PUFAs, MUFAs, and Ω-6 PUFA, respectively. Besides being protective against various disease biomarkers, these contrasting VOs are still inappropriate when consumed alone in 100% of daily fat recommendations. This review compiles the available data on blending of such contrasting VOs into single tailored blended oil (BO) with suitable FA composition to meet the recommended levels of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, MCTs, and Ω-3 to Ω-6 PUFA ratios which could ultimately serve as a cost-effective dietary intervention towards the health protectiveness and improvement of the whole population in general. The blending of any two or more VOs from CO, FO, OO, and SFO in the form of binary, ternary, or another type of blending was found to be very conclusive towards balancing FA composition; enhancing physiochemical and stability properties; and promising the therapeutic protectiveness of the resultant BOs.
Hemp (
L.) is a herbaceous anemophilous plant that belongs to the Cannabinaceae family. The cannabis seed (hemp) has long been utilized as a food source and is commercially important as an edible oil ...source. In this review, the positive and negative health effects of cannabis, the relationship between cannabis and various diseases, and the use of cannabis in various food products have been discussed. In addition, the scientific literature on the potential use of cannabis and its derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic degenerative diseases in animals and humans has been reviewed. Cannabis is being developed as a key ingredient in a variety of food items, including bakery, confectionery, beverages, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Hemp seeds are high in readily digestible proteins, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), insoluble fiber, carbs, and favorable omega-6 PUFA acid to omega-3 PUFA ratio and have high nutritional value. The antioxidants of cannabis, such as polyphenols, help with anxiety, oxidative stress, and the risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer, neurological disorders, digestive problems, and skin diseases. Cannabis has been shown to have negative health impacts on the respiratory system, driving, and psychomotor functions, and the reproductive system. Overall, the purpose of this research is to stimulate more in-depth research on cannabis's adaptation in various foods and for the treatment of chronic illnesses.
The presence of bifascicular block on electrocardiography suggests that otherwise-unexplained syncope may be due to complete heart block. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends investigating ...it with electrophysiology study (EPS). PPM is indicated if high-degree atrioventricular block is inducible. Long term rhythm monitoring with implantable loop recorder (ILR) is recommended if EPS is negative. We evaluated adherence to these guidelines.
This is a single-center retrospective audit of adult patients with bifascicular block hospitalized for unexplained syncope between January 2018 and August 2019 under general medicine service. Patients with an alternative explanation for syncope were excluded. Guideline adherence was assessed by formal cardiology consult and whether EPS followed by ILR and/or PPM were offered.
65 out of 580 adult patients (11.2%) admitted to general medicine service for syncope had a bifascicular block; 29 (5%) were identified to have bifascicular block and unexplained syncope. Median age was 77 ±10 years; 9 (31%) were female, and 6 (20.7%) patients had at least one prior hospital visit for syncope at our academic medical center. Cardiology was consulted on 17 (58.6%) patients. Two patients were evaluated by EPS (1 refused) followed by ILR. Overall, 3 out of 29 patients (10.3%) received guideline-directed evaluation during the hospitalization based on ESC guidelines. None of the patients received empiric PPM during the index hospitalization.
Among patients admitted to the general medicine service with unexplained syncope and bifascicular block, a minority (10.3%) underwent guideline-directed evaluation per ESC recommendations. Cardiology was consulted in 58.6% of cases.
This study aimed to explore whether flaxseed could be used to ameliorate various CVD biomarkers. In the first phase, flaxseed's nutritional composition was performed. In the second phase, a 32-day ...efficacy trial was conducted on 20 Sprague Dawley rats. All physical and biochemical tests were performed on the initial and final days. Results revealed that blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cells, and platelets were increased. Having significant clinical findings, a marketable flaxseed-supplemented muffin recipe was developed using flaxseed-supplemented flour at 0%, 5%, 10%, 12%, and 20%. Farinographic investigations of flaxseed-supplemented flour revealed its improved baking potential through more excellent water absorption and dough development time. The flaxseed-supplemented muffins revealed a significant rise of 15% in protein, 60% in fiber, 23% in ash, 60% in healthy vegetative fats and sensorial parameters.
ASCD/CVD in Women
We aimed to determine ethnic and gender discrepancies in coronary artery disease (CAD) burden and clinical outcomes in patients admitted with first acute myocardial infarction ...(AMI).
We conducted retrospective analysis of middle-aged (35-60 years) patients admitted with AMI from 2017-2020. Ethnicity, gender, body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (history of smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, peripheral arterial disease, and chronic kidney disease) were analyzed. CAD burden was classified into single vessel disease (SVD), 2 vessel disease (2VD) and >2 or multiple vessel disease (MVD). Clinical outcomes were defined as type of intervention (PCI or CABG) and in-hospital mortality. Data was analyzed in STATA 16 and multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted (for age and CV risk factors) relative risk ratios (aRRR) for CAD burden and outcomes.
434 patients (39.4% females) were divided into the following ethnicities: 61% Caucasians, 33% African Americans (AA), and 6% Hispanics. Mean age was 55+/-14 and mean BMI was 29 +/- 5.5 kg/m2. Analysis revealed higher occurrence of 2VD (aRRR 4.81, 2.64-7.22, p<0.001) and MVD (aRRR 8.23, 6.56-9.09, p<0.001) in AA vs. Caucasians (Figure 1). Hispanics showed increased incidence of 2VD (aRRR 2.21, 2.61-7.23, p<0.001) when compared to Caucasians. AA also had an increased rate of CABG (aRRR 4.11, 3.63-5.31, p<0.001) and in-hospital death (aRRR 3.61, 2.66-6.16, p<0.001). In contrast, Hispanics had similar rate of CABG and mortality compared to Caucasians. Subgroup analysis stratified by gender revealed an increased incidence of MVD (aRRR 3.21, 2.02-4.01, p<0.001) in AA females compared with other subgroups (Figure 2). Hispanic patients did not show a difference in CAD burden or clinical outcomes when stratified by gender.
African American and Hispanic patients have increased incidence of 2VD and MVD during first AMI. AA females have the highest incidence of MVD when compared to other subgroups necessitating stricter optimization of cardiovascular health for this subset.
Ceramides are a novel biomarker for numerous obesity-associated disorders such as type II diabetes mellitus (T2D) and atherosclerosis. Ceramides were considered as a relatively homogeneous class of ...sphingolipids. Ceramides generally have a wide length of the fatty acyl chain that take part in different metabolic processes. Modulation of ceramide synthesis in certain cellular components along with its metabolism has a significant influence on metabolic homeostasis.
In this review, major role of ceramides in metabolic syndrome and the ability of certain phytonutrients to manage ceramides levels have been discussed. Ceramides act as an intracellular signaling molecules that affect the metabolism through different pathways such as adiposity linkage, insulin resistance and cardiometabolic syndrome. In addition, phytonutrients are novel therapeutic agents that may lower plasma ceramide levels involved in metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, relationship between ceramides and metabolic syndrome with regards to ceramide modulation and effect of bioactive phytonutrients in regulating the ceramides levels in relation to obesity-associated disorders is also elucidated.
The unique structure enables ceramides to function both as structural membrane components and signaling molecules Accumulation of ceramides and their coalescence in sphingolipid-rich domains can influence cell signaling by clustering receptors. As sum of all the ceramide species present in cells usually range from 0.1 to 1.0% of total phospholipids yet may have high affinity targets. Different ceramides species usually with long n-acyl chains have been implicated in pathophysiologic processes and disease progression. Ceramides slowed lipolysis, inhibited glucose uptake, and decreased mitochondrial respiration. Certain cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukins (ILs) such as IL-1b and adiponectin, activate the sphingomyelinase enzymes. Besides inflammatory signals, ceramide production is often stimulated by oxidative stress. From literature, lipidomic analysis revealed that nutritional intervention (consuming plant-based foods as a source of phytonutrients) can help in lowering the circulating ceramides especially C16:0 and C24:0 ceramides, a potential known inhibitor of insulin signaling. However, exact mechanism of different phytonutrients involved in ceramide modulation needs to be understood at molecular level for gaining more insights at their mechanistic mode of action.
Display omitted
•Ceramides are considered a significant biomarker for various metabolic disorders.•Various phytochemicals are known for their medicinal properties.•Phytonutrients play key role in physiological functions of sphingolipids metabolism regulation.
Health-protective functional foods are gaining popularity in the world of nutrition because they promote excellent health while decreasing pharmaceutical burdens. Chia seeds (CS) (Salvia hispanica ...L.), the greatest vegetative source of α-linolenic acid, bioactive proteins, and fibers, are among the top unconventional oilseeds shown to have bounteous benefits against various non-communicable diseases. Purposely, this study was designed to integrate roasted CS powder into white-flour-based ordinary bakery goods to improve their nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. CS efficacy in normal and hyperlipidemic Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in mitigating blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, and platelets. The nutritional profiling of chia-fortified muffins indicated significant increases of 47% in fat, 92% in fiber, 15% in protein, and 62% in minerals. The farinographic experiments of CS-blends revealed generally improved dough quality features with a significant rise in the degree of softening as fortification levels increased. A marketable recipe for CSF-muffins with several degrees of fortification demonstrated a significant rise in fat, 92% rise in fiber, 15% rise in protein, and 62% rise in minerals. Sensorial evaluation by trained taste panelists revealed a maximum appraisal of the 15% chia-fortified muffins due to aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability, and were forwarded for being acceptable for commercialization.
The quality of fats and oils is a critical aspect of the food processing industry and consumer health. Fat degradation, particularly through oxidation, impacts various quality parameters, including ...color, taste, flavor, aroma, quality, and appearance. To address this issue, a study was conducted using five degraded fats/oil (DF/O) commodities as the target for an adsorption process. These commodities were chosen because of their high level of degradation by-products. The study used sugarcane bagasse (SCB) to develop five different treatments of indigenous adsorbents activated with various NaOH concentrations. Analyses including iodine number, adsorbent yield, and scanning electron microscope were performed to identify the potential of the prepared concentrations. Results showed that the indigenous adsorbent created with 1.0% NaOH was the most effective. The alkali treatment had a positive impact on the samples, but the SCB 10% was found to be the most efficient in reducing the degradation value of the treated samples. The findings of this study suggest that the use of indigenous adsorbents, particularly those prepared with SCB 10%, can be an effective way to reduce fat degradation and enhance the quality of fats and oils in the food processing industry. This approach can also address consumer health concerns related to fat and oil quality.
Display omitted
•Walnuts contain polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, abundantly ellagitannin.•Ellagitannin exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.•Reduces oxidative stress by ...activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway.•A balanced diet containing walnuts improves general well-being.
Inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are crucial processes essential in various physiological and pathological states. The imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) interrupts the body’s natural defense system, making fatal disorders more likely to develop. Walnut, also known as Juglans Regia L. is a valuable nut that can significantly reduce OS and inflammation. Walnut contains a considerable amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), flavonoids and phenolic compounds, specifically ellagitannins, that have emerged as major anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory contributors by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, quercetin, gallic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate and chlorogenic acid scavenge free radicals, modulate pro-inflammatory pathways and suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines. Currently, there is a limited compilation of previous research studies on walnut’s anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential, along with their curative insights against other physiological conditions. This review presents an overview of the latest research studies of walnuts in different forms, as a whole, its extract, oil, protein hydrolysate, peptides, etc., supporting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in tabular form, along with the figures to demonstrate the underlying mechanisms of its active components through animal and clinical trials. The regulatory effects of the bioactive substances against hyperlipidemia, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, seizures, hypertension, ischemic stroke, and cancer have also been elaborated. The findings of the present compilation of research studies suggest that walnuts have a remarkable potential to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds, by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, scavenging free radicals, and modify pro-inflammatory pathways. The incorporation of walnuts in daily diet is an effective therapeutic approach to support overall health and wellness.
PDF
