Evaluation of the immunoradiometric and electrochemiluminescence method for the measurement of serum insulin in children.

Human insulin is a polypeptide hormone produced, stored, and secreted by the ß-cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Its secretion is stimulated by an increase of the glucose concentration in circulation. Non-radioactive assays are frequently used in many laboratories to measure hormone concentrations, as an alternative to the traditional "gold standard" radioimmuno- and immunoradiometric assays. The precise and reliable determination of the insulin concentration is an important concern in numerous diagnostic procedures. The aim of this study was to compare two commercially available assays (manual and automated) for measurement of serum insulin concentrations. Aliquots of the 86 randomly selected serum samples were measured by Elecsys Insulin Assay (cobas e411 immunoassay analyzer, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) and DIAsource INS-IRMA Kit (DIAsource ImmunoAssays S.A., Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium). Compared assays exhibit good correlation (r = 0.996). Insulin concentrations were on average 4.2 µ IU/mL lower (p < 0.05) with the cobas e411 immunoassay analyzer when compared to those measured with DIAsouce Immunoassay. Our findings suggest that electrochemiluminescence method on the cobas e411 analyzer and manual IRMA method offered by the DIAsource for the serum insulin determination could be considered interchangeable.

Serum carnitine concentration is decreased in patients with Lyme borreliosis.

BACKGROUND: Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a serious infectious disease. Carnitine plays a crucial role in metabolism and inflammatory responses. Carnitine may be important in improving neuronal dysfunction and loss of neurons. AIM: To evaluate serum carnitine concentration in adult patients with various clinical types of LB. MATERIAL/METHODS: Groups: 1) patients with erythema migrans (EM, n=16), 2) neuroborreliosis (NB, n=10), 3) post-Lyme disease (PLD, n=22) and healthy controls (HC, n=32). Total (TC) and free (FC) carnitine were determined with the spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: TC levels (44.9±10.4, 28.0±8.4, 35.9±15.6 µmol/L) in the EM, NB and PLD patients were lower than in HC (54.0±11.4 µmol/L), p < 0.001. FC levels (32.7±7.7, 23.6±6.8, 26.3±11.2 µmol/L) in the EM, NB and PLD patients were lower than in HC (40.5±7.6 µmol/L), p < 0.001. AC levels (12.2±5.2, 4.4±2.6, 9.6±7.4 µmol/L) in the EM, NB and PLD patients were lower in the NB and PLD patients than in HC (13.5±8.40 µmol/L), p <0.001. AC/FC ratio was 0.31±0.14, 0.18±0.09, 0.39±0.33 in the EM, NB and PLD patients. CONCLUSIONS: LB patients exhibit a significant decrease of their serum carnitine concentrations. The largest changes were in the NB and PLD patients. To prevent late complications of the disease a possibility of early supplementation with carnitine should be considered. Further studies are required to explain the pathophysiological significance of our findings.

The role of carnitine in the perinatal period.

Carnitine (2-hydroxy-4-trimethylammonium butyrate, vitamin BT) is a small hydrophilic molecule derived from protein-bound lysine, not degraded in the body but excreted via urine, bile and breast milk. Carnitine stimulates the catabolism of long-chain fatty acids (FAs), by transporting them to mitochondria for oxidation, and the intracellular decomposition of branched-chain ketoacids. It also helps to excrete toxic exogenous and nontoxic endogenous organic acids via urine. It further participates in the production of pulmonary surfactant, inhibits free radicals production and demonstrates other antioxidant properties. After delivery, infants dramatically increase energy demands for movement, growth, differentiation and maintenance of the body temperature that strongly depend on FAs oxidation which is facilitated by carnitine. At early stages of life, carnitine biosynthesis is less efficient than in adults and immature infants have less carnitine tissue reserves than term infants. Carnitine supplementation is recommended in newborns with aciduria, childhood epilepsy associated with valproate-induced hepatotoxicity, in kidney-associated syndromes, and premature infants receiving total parenteral nutrition. Concentrations of carnitine and acylcarnitines in neonatal blood have been postulated a useful tool for the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, as well as the detection and monitoring of many inherited and acquired metabolic disorders. Taking into account the complex metabolic role of cellular FAs transporters, further studies are needed on indications and contraindications for carnitine supplementation in different clinical settings during early developmental period.

Plasma carnitine concentrations after chronic alcohol intoxication.

BACKGROUND: Carnitine transports fatty acids from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial matrix, where the fatty acids are oxidized. Chronic alcohol consumption reduces the concentration of carnitine and interferes with oxidative processes occurring in the cell. AIM: The assessment of carnitine concentrations in plasma of chronically intoxicated alcohol dependent persons in a 49-day abstinence period. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study included 31 patients (5 women and 27 men) aged from 26 to 60 years (44.6 ± 8.9) and 32 healthy subjects (15 women and 17 men) aged 22-60 years (39.8 ± 9.4). The patients' alcohol dependence ranged from 2 to 30 years (13.6 ± 7.5). Examined subjects consumed 75-700 g of ethanol/day (226.9 ± 151.5). Plasma concentrations of free and total carnitine were measured three times: at the first (T0), 30th (T30) and 49th (T49) day of hospital detoxification. Free (FC) and total (TC) carnitine were determined by the spectrophotometric method. Plasma acylcarnitine (AC) concentration was calculated from the difference between TC and FC; then the AC/FC ratio was calculated. To determine statistically significant differences for related variables, Student's t-test was used. RESULTS: At T0, alcoholics had significantly lower concentration of FC and TC (p < 0.05) in plasma, as compared to the control group. In comparison to controls, at T30, plasma TC and FC (p < 0.01) as well as AC (p < 0.001) were reduced. The lowest concentration of TC, FC and AC (p < 0.001)was found at T49. The ratio of AC/FC at T0 had a tendency to be higher in alcoholics than in the control group (p = 0.05), whereas at T49 it was significantly lower in alcoholics as compared to the control subjects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic alcohol intoxication causes a plasma deficiency of carnitine. Forty-nine days of abstinence showed a significant decrease in the concentration of TC, FC and AC. Further research is necessary to clarify whether a low level of plasma carnitine after chronic alcohol intoxication is caused by the uptake of blood carnitine by tissues such as liver or muscles. In alcoholics the supplementation of carnitine is recommended in the case of a low level of plasma carnitine.

Activity of N-acetyl-ß-D-hexosaminidase in the saliva of children with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the catabolism of glycoconjugates in saliva of children with type 1 diabetes, by measurement of the activity of N-acetyl-ß-D-hexosaminidase (HEX) in their saliva. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was performed in 65 children with type 1 diabetes and 39 healthy children. Salivary HEX activity was determined spectrophotometrically by the method of Zwierz et al. in the modification of Marciniak et al. Protein was determined by the bicinchoninic acid method (BCATM Assay Protein Kit). Concentration of the HEX activity was expressed in pKat/mL and HEX specific activity in pKat/µg of protein. RESULTS: A significant increase in the concentration and the specific activity of HEX in the saliva of children with type 1 diabetes, compared to healthy children, was found. CONCLUSIONS: Type 1 diabetes increases salivary catabolism of glycoconjugates reflected by the significant increase in the activity of HEX in the saliva of children with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy children. The salivary HEX activity may be used in the diagnosis of children with type 1 diabetes after confirmation of our results on a larger cohort of children with type 1 diabetes.

The activity of serum beta-galactosidase in colon cancer patients with a history of alcohol and nicotine dependence: preliminary data.

INTRODUCTION: Beta-galactosidase (GAL) is a lysosomal exoglycosidase involved in the catabolism of glycoconjugates through the sequential release of beta-linked terminal galactosyl residues. The stimulation of activity of exoglycosidases and other degradative enzymes has been noted in cancers as well as in alcohol and nicotine addiction separately. This is the first study to evaluate the activity of the serum senescence marker GAL in colon cancer patients with a history of alcohol and nicotine dependence, as a potential factor of worse cancer prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material was serum of 18 colon cancer patients and 10 healthy volunteers. Ten colon cancer patients met alcohol and nicotine dependence criteria. The activity of beta-galactosidase (pkat/ml) was determined by the colorimetric method. Comparisons between groups were made using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis and differences evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the statistical dependence between two variables. RESULTS: The activity of serum GAL was significantly higher in colon cancer patients with a history of alcohol and nicotine dependence, in comparison to colon cancer patients without a history of drinking/smoking (p=0.015; 46% increase), and the controls (p=0.0002; 81% increase). The activity of serum GAL in colon cancer patients without a history of alcohol/nicotine dependence was higher than the activity in the controls (p = 0.043; 24% increase). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Higher activity of beta-galactosidase may potentially reflect the accelerated growth of the cancer, invasion, metastases, and maturation, when alcohol and nicotine dependence coincide with colon cancer. For a better prognosis of colon cancer, alcohol and nicotine withdrawal seems to be required.

[Isoforms A and B of lysosomal N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase in serum and urine of parenterally fed patients]. / Izoenzymy A i B lizosomalnej N-acetylo-beta-D-heksozoaminidazy w surowicy i moczu chorych zywionych pozajelitowo.

UNLABELLED: Parenteral nutrition entails numerous metabolic complications resulting from food bypass of the gastrointestinal tract. Up to now have not been established all complications of parenteral nutrition, despite intensive research and clinical observations. Knowledge of the biochemical changes resulting from parenteral nutrition is essential to effective prevention, early detection and effective treatment of the metabolic disorders induced by parenteral nutrition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the catabolism of glycoconjugates of parenterally fed patients, reflected by the activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase (HEX): HEX A and HEX B isoenzymes in serum and urine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of blood and urine were collected from 23 patients: before intravenous alimentation, at start, as well as of fifth and tenth day of parenteral nutrition. The activity of HEX A and HEX B in serum and urine was determined by the colorimetric method of Zwierz et al. as modified by Marciniak et al. The activity of urinary HEXA and HEX B has been calculated per 1 mg of creatinine. RESULTS: The activity of serum HEXA significantly decreased at fifth day, in comparison to the activity before parenteral alimentation, and significantly increased at tenth day of parenteral nutrition. The activity of HEX B in serum increased significantly at fifth and tenth day of the parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral nutrition alter the catabolism of glycoconjugates, reflected by significant changes in serum HEX A and HEX B activities. Urine was the not appropriate material to evaluate the catabolism of glycoconjugates in view of HEX A and HEX B activities.

Activity of alpha-fucosidase and beta-glucuronidase in serum and urine of patients administered parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: In hospital patients suffering from adverse clinical and biochemical symptoms of malnutrition, it is often necessary to employ parenteral nutrition to avoid the body's tissue becoming broken down by being metabolised. Thus, the patient's welfare and survival can be supported throughout any periods of medical crisis. Two of the enzymes responsible for metabolising glycoconjugates are alpha-fucosidase (FUC) and beta-glucuronidase (GLU), present in lysosomes. They release fucose or glucuronic acid from the non-reducing end of oligosaccharide chains. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of parenteral nutrition administered to ill patients, on glycoconjugate metabolism, by measuring serum and urinary activities of FUC and GLU. Material and methods. Blood samples and the daily urine collection were taken from 23 patients' who had been undergoing parenteral nutrition for either 5 or 10 days, as well as from a baseline sample. Enzyme activities in serum and urine were determined by the method of Zwierz et al. RESULTS: Serum FUC activities were significantly lower after 10 days compared to 5, (p< 0.0172), whereas GLU activities were significantly lower after both 5 and 10 days, (p< 0.0007 and p< 0.0208 respectively), compared to levels before starting parenteral nutrition. GLU activities were however higher after 10 days than those after 5 days, (p< 0.0023). In urine, FUC activities were significantly decreased after 10 days compared to 5 days after starting parenteral nutrition, (p< 0.0245). Urine GLU activities were unaffected by parenteral nutrition nor was any effect seen on FUC or GLU activities when calculated per 1mg creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: Serum FUC and GLU activities can be used for assessing the effect of parenteral nutrition on glycoconjugate metabolism. The significant decreases of serum GLU activity observed after 5 and 10 days, may serve to indicate that the components of parental nutrition are appropriate and that the body has become suitably adapted to this form of nutrition.

Healthy Food Pyramid as Well as Physical and Mental Activity in the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.

The ageing of the population is resulting in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), which are an increasing social, economic and medical problem. Diet and physical activity are now considered as important modifiable factors that help prevent or delay the development of AD and other dementia-related diseases. The pyramid of healthy nutrition and lifestyle is a way of presenting the principles, the implementation of which gives a chance for proper development and a long healthy life. The basis of the pyramid, in the first place, is physical activity. Our review of the literature in the PubMed database supports the hypothesis that complementary factors, such as proper diet, physical exercise and mental activity, have a positive impact on the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. The nutritional recommendations for healthy adults primarily include the consumption of vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, vegetable oils and fishes. Therefore, the introduction of Mediterranean and Asian diets may reduce the risk of the neurodegenerative diseases associated with dementia, whereas dairy products and meat-the main sources of L-carnitine-should be consumed in moderate amounts. The aim of our work is to provide up-to-date knowledge about the appropriate dietary model and healthy lifestyle elements and their impact on good health and the long life of people.

Glycoconjugates in the detection of alcohol abuse.

Up to 30% of all hospital admissions and health-care costs may be attributable to alcohol abuse. Ethanol, its oxidative metabolites, acetaldehyde and ROS (reactive oxygen species), non-oxidative metabolites of alcohol [e.g. FAEEs (fatty acid ethyl esters)] and the ethanol-water competition mechanism are all involved in the deregulation of glycoconjugate (glycoprotein, glycolipid and proteoglycan) metabolic processes including biosynthesis, modification, transport, secretion, elimination and catabolism. An increasing number of new alcohol biomarkers that are the result of alcohol-induced glycoconjugate metabolic errors have appeared in the literature. Glycoconjugate-related alcohol markers are involved in, or are a product of, altered glycoconjugate metabolism, e.g. CDT (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin), SA (sialic acid), plasma SIJ (SA index of apolipoprotein J), CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein), ß-HEX (ß-hexosaminidase), dolichol, EtG (ethyl glucuronide) etc. Laboratory tests based on changes in glycoconjugate metabolism are useful in settings where the co-operativeness of the patient is impaired (e.g. driving while intoxicated) or when a history of alcohol use is not available (e.g. after trauma). In clinical practice, glycoconjugate markers of alcohol use/abuse let us distinguish alcoholic from non-alcoholic tissue damage, having important implications for the treatment and management of diseases.

Exoglycosidase markers of diseases.

Exoglycosidases are hydrolases involved in lysosomal degradation of oligosaccharide chains of glycoconjugates (glycoproteins, glycolipids and proteoglycans). In tissues and body fluids, a higher exoglycosidase specific activity is found in N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase, than ß-glucuronidase, α-L-fucosidase, ß-galactosidase, α-mannosidase and α-glucosidase. Determination of exoglycosidases (especially N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase and ß-glucuronidase) in body fluids could be an inexpensive, easy to perform and sensitive test for pathological evaluation, as well as in screening and monitoring many diseases, including alcohol abuse, risk of arteriosclerosis, bacterial infections (e.g. Lyme borreliosis), chronic inflammatory processes, such as rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, asthma, autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis, as well as cancers.

[Activity of N-acetyl-ß-hexosaminidase and its isoenzymes A and B in cancer]. / Aktywnosc N-acetylo-ß-D-heksozoaminidazy i jej izoenzymów A i B w nowotworach.

There were approximately 93,060 deaths from cancers in Poland in 2008, and about 105,000 are predicted for the year 2025. Early detection of cancer is a major problem throughout the world, which is why many researchers are still looking for specific and sensitive markers of malignant tumors. Our work is a review of recent publications on activity of N-acetyl-ß-D-hexosaminidase (HEX) and its isoenzymes A (HEX A) and B (HEX B) as potential markers of malignant tumors. HEX is the most active of the lysosomal exoglycosidases, taking part in degradation of glycoconjugates (glycoproteins, glycolipids, proteoglycans). HEX cleaves N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine from non-reducing ends of oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins, glycolipids and glycosaminoglycans. The activity of HEX, and its isoenzymes A (HEX A) and B (HEX B), was determined by spectrophotometric and isoelectric focusing methods. There was a statistically significant increase in activity of HEX in tumors of the kidney, pancreas, thyroid, colon, ovary, brain, salivary gland, stomach and larynx, which suggests potential applicability of HEX and its isoenzymes in cancer diagnosis.

[Carnitine: function, metabolism and value in hepatic failure during chronic alcohol intoxication]. / Karnityna: funkcja, metabolizm i znaczenie w niewydolnosci watroby u pacjentów w przewleklym zatruciu alkoholem.

Alcoholism is one of the most frequent dependences among people, leading to damage of the liver and death of the person. Chronic alcohol consumption decreases fatty acid oxidation by interfering with carnitine metabolism and citric acid cycle activity. Block in activity of the citric acid cycle caused by alcohol and its metabolites is partially compensated by increased ketone body production, which results in ketosis. Chronic administration of alcohol induces liver injury, inflammation, cirrhosis, focal necrosis and steatosis. L-carnitine (L-3-hydroxy-4-N, N, N-trimethylaminebutyric acid) is an essential factor in fatty acid metabolism, which plays a major role in transport of activated long-chain fatty acids to sites of ß-oxidation in mitochondria. Carnitine also stabilizes cell membranes by removing long-chain acyl-CoA and excess of the acyl group from the body. L-carnitine can be a useful and safe drug in the liver pathology induced by chronic ethanol exposure.

[The influence of alcohol on the oral cavity, salivary glands and saliva]. / Wplyw alkoholu na jame ustna, slinianki oraz sline.

Ethanol diffuses rapidly into saliva during the drinking, and immediately after its salivary concentration is temporarily much higher than in plasma. Within 30 minutes, salivary ethanol concentration equilibrates with the plasma level, thus suggesting that ethanol easily penetrates the whole body, including oral cavity tissues and salivary glands. After alcohol intake, the level of acetaldehyde in saliva strikingly exceeds the level in systemic blood. From saliva, acetaldehyde and ethanol easily reach all local tissues. Damage to the oral tissues seems to be ascribed mostly to the action of acetaldehyde, although some acute effects depend on a direct action of ethanol and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). It is known that the oral mucosal surface is the home of numerous normal flora microorganisms and is the portal of entry for the majority of pathogens. The oral cavity and salivary antimicrobial immune defense systems eliminate pathogens and prevent massive overgrowth of microorganisms. An oral defense system participate in the protection of not only oral tissues, but also in the protection of upper digestive and respiratory tracts, against a number of microbial pathogens. Saliva plays the role in the oral cavity lubrication, maintenance of mucosal and tooth integrity, esophageal physiology, digestion and gastric cytoprotection. As alcohol abuse affects the structure and function of oral cavity mucosa, salivary glands and saliva, the maintenance of oral and general health under normal conditions is seriously impaired during the drinking. The severe tissue damage occurs in particular when alcohol abuse coincides with smoking.

Salivary Biomarkers of Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

Stress, anxiety and depressive disorders are often characterized by the activation of the stress axis, which results in similar symptoms at some point in these disorders. These disorders are closely related to each other-they occur simultaneously or follow one another. The diagnosis of stress, anxiety and depression is not a perfect procedure currently-it is based on patient observation and an interview with the patient and their family. There are no laboratory tests that would dispel the doubts of the doctor making the diagnosis and allow the appropriate treatment to be implemented as soon as possible. Therefore, this study will review the components of saliva that could be helpful in the quick diagnosis of stress, anxiety and/or depression. Such potential salivary biomarkers could also be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment prescribed by a psychiatrist. The following are promising salivary biomarkers of stress, anxiety or depression: cortisol, immunoglobulin A (sIgA), lysozyme, melatonin, α-amylase (sAA), chromogranin A (CgA) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). To the best valuable potential salivary markers of stress, we can include cortisol, lysozyme, sAA and CgA. To differentiate depression from stress, salivary cortisol and melatonin can be helpful. Fluctuations in the concentrations of the above-mentioned substances in saliva indicate a particularly strong relationship with typical human psychological problems, such as stress, depression or anxiety.

Potential Role of L-Carnitine in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

L-carnitine plays an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system, and especially in the mitochondrial metabolism of fatty acids. Altered carnitine metabolism, abnormal fatty acid metabolism in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been documented. ASD is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that is usually diagnosed in early childhood. Patients with ASD require careful classification as this heterogeneous clinical category may include patients with an intellectual disability or high functioning, epilepsy, language impairments, or associated Mendelian genetic conditions. L-carnitine participates in the long-chain oxidation of fatty acids in the brain, stimulates acetylcholine synthesis (donor of the acyl groups), stimulates expression of growth-associated protein-43, prevents cell apoptosis and neuron damage and stimulates neurotransmission. Determination of L-carnitine in serum/plasma and analysis of acylcarnitines in a dried blood spot may be useful in ASD diagnosis and treatment. Changes in the acylcarnitine profiles may indicate potential mitochondrial dysfunctions and abnormal fatty acid metabolism in ASD children. L-carnitine deficiency or deregulation of L-carnitine metabolism in ASD is accompanied by disturbances of other metabolic pathways, e.g., Krebs cycle, the activity of respiratory chain complexes, indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction. Supplementation of L-carnitine may be beneficial to alleviate behavioral and cognitive symptoms in ASD patients.

Are low birth weight children predisposed to renal loss of carnitine?

Aim: The plasma homeostasis of both free and esterified carnitines is mostly regulated by renal tubular reabsorption, which may be disturbed in low birth weight children. The aim of study was to check whether disturbances in excretion of l-carnitine (LC) and its main ester, acetyl-carnitine (ALC), may be the result of renal dysfunction in low birth weight children (LBW).Methods: This study included 59 LBW children (2165 g [1490-2440]) and 22 children with normal birth weight as a reference group (3500 g [3275-3650]). Subjects were divided into three groups: 0-3 months, 4-12 months and over 1 year at the time of testing. Urinary levels of carnitine were measured spectrophotometrically.Results: The urine excretion of Free LC, Free LC/cr, Total LC and Total LC/cr. Were significantly higher in 0-3 and 4-12-month old LBW infants study groups when compared to the reference groups. We found statistically significant higher urine excretion of ALC and ALC/cr. in all age groups of LBW infants compared to the reference group. There was a negative correlation between birth weight and free LC/cr. (r= -0.3, p < .05), Total LC/cr. (r= -0.34, p < .05), and ALC/cr. (r= -39, p < .05), and in the children >12-month-old strong negative correlation between eGFR and free LC/cr. (r= -0.6, p < .05), Total LC/cr. (r= -0.61, p < .05), ALC/cr. (r= -0.61, p < .05.)Conclusion: Higher urine excretion of both LC and ALC and its negative correlation with birth weight and eGFR may reflect some degree of renal dysfunction in LBW infants.

Preventive Role of L-Carnitine and Balanced Diet in Alzheimer's Disease.

The prevention or alleviation of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a challenge for contemporary health services. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the prevention or alleviation of AD by introducing an appropriate carnitine-rich diet, dietary carnitine supplements and the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, which contains elements of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. L-carnitine (LC) plays a crucial role in the energetic metabolism of the cell. A properly balanced diet contains a substantial amount of LC as well as essential amino acids and microelements taking part in endogenous carnitine synthesis. In healthy people, carnitine biosynthesis is sufficient to prevent the symptoms of carnitine deficiency. In persons with dysfunction of mitochondria, e.g., with AD connected with extensive degeneration of the brain structures, there are often serious disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, nuts, olive oil, and seeds as the major source of fats, moderate consumption of fish and poultry, low to moderate consumption of dairy products and alcohol, and low intake of red and processed meat. The introduction of foodstuffs rich in carnitine and the MIND diet or carnitine supplementation of the AD patients may improve their functioning in everyday life.

Catabolism of salivary glycoconjugates in acute ethanol intoxication.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to study the effects of a single large dose of ethanol (approximately 2.0 g/kg of body weight, as 40% vodka) on the specific activities of alpha-mannosidase, alpha-fucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, and beta-galactosidase as well as on the total protein concentration in saliva in eight healthy young volunteers. MATERIAL/METHODS: Resting whole saliva samples were collected 12 hours prior to and 36 and 108 hours after alcohol consumption. Exoglycosidase activities were assayed in the supernatants by the colorimetric method. Protein content was determined by the Lowry method. RESULTS: Thirty-six hours after alcohol consumption the specific activities of alpha-fucosidase and beta-glucuronidase were significantly higher than before drinking. The specific activity of beta-galactosidase showed a greater tendency to increase than alpha-mannosidase after the drinking session. The total protein concentration was significantly lower after alcohol consumption than at baseline, even at 108 hr. Significant inverse correlations between total protein content and the specific activities of the exoglycosidases in saliva were found after the drinking session. CONCLUSIONS: Acute ingestion of a large dose of ethanol increased the activity of salivary exoglycosidases, which might be followed by subsequent degradation of proteins in saliva. The observed changes might contribute to salivary defense system malfunction as well as to oral malodor production.

Colon cancer releases alpha-tocopherol from its O-glycosides better than normal colon tissue.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Free radicals, in a colon, may damage DNA, make difficult DNA repair and change course of post-translational modifications of regulatory proteins, which promote tumor initiation and progression. Therefore risk of colon cancer is closely related to diet and other lifestyle factors. Dietary antioxidants, such as vitamin E, should reduce the levels of harmful oxidation products. However vitamin E is not soluble in water, which decreases its bioavailability. As O-glycosides of alpha-tocopherol are better soluble in water and penetrate to tissues easier than free alpha-tocopherol, the aim of our work was to investigate the rate of release the free tocopherol from its O-glycosides in colon cancer, in comparison to human healthy colon tissue. METHODOLOGY: The activities of enzymes catalysing hydrolysis of alpha-tocopheryl glucoside (1a) and mannoside (1b) as well as p-nitrophenyl beta-glucoside (2a) and mannoside (2b) in cancer and healthy human colon tissues, were determined according to the modified method described by Zwierz et al. RESULTS: The alpha-tocopherol and p-nitrophenol were significantly better released from the respective glucosides and mannosides in cancer tissue than in "healthy" human colon tissues, with p = 0.000947 for la, p = 0.033024 for 1b; p = 0.0028 for 2a, and p = 0.0033 for 2b, respectively. CONCLUSION: Alpha-tocopherol and p-nitrophenol are released from the O-glycosides of glucose and mannose in significantly higher amount in colon cancer than in healthy tissues. The alpha-tocopherol O-glycosides can be considered as prodrugs in prevention and treatment of the colon cancer.